Chelsea are losing hope that Jose Bosingwa and Michael Essien will be back in time to face Inter Milan in two weeks.
Essien hasn't played for Chelsea since he suffered a hamstring injury against Apoel Nicosia in December but it is the knee problem he sustained while away with Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations that has kept him on the sidelines.
The 27-year-old had an operation in January and it was hoped he could return within four weeks but he is currently with Ashley Cole, who is recovering from a fractured ankle, at a sporting injury clinic in France.
Chelsea lost 2-1 against Inter Milan in the first leg of their last-16 tie in the Champions League and it is unlikely Essien will play in the return at Stamford Bridge on 16 March.
Bosingwa is not yet ready to return but is back in light training after knee surgery.
On a more positive note, Yury Zhirkov should be back to face Inter following a calf injury.
Deco (knee) is also in contention to face Stoke in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday.
