• Champions League

Luiz doubtful for Barcelona clash

ESPN staff
April 16, 2012

Chelsea interim boss Roberto Di Matteo faces a defensive headache ahead of the Barcelona clash after David Luiz picked up an injury - although John Terry is expected to play in the Champions League semi-final at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Luiz was substituted during Chelsea's 5-1 FA Cup last-four victory over Tottenham on Sunday, having sustained a hamstring problem whilst trying to chase down Emmanuel Adebayor in the move that ended up with Gareth Bale bringing the score back to 2-1.

Chelsea face a hectic fixture list between now and the end of the season, but Di Matteo feels his players are fit enough to meet the challenge.

"We've picked up some niggly injuries, so it's a matter of assessing the team tomorrow [Monday]," Di Matteo said. "David Luiz picked up a hamstring injury so we'll have to have a look at him tomorrow but he looks to be doubtful.

"Terry should be able to play again on Wednesday. The boys are looking quite fit at the moment. It's always a matter of seeing how they are after the games and assessing each individual player for the game. I was just focusing on this game to get to the final."

There are also concerns about the fitness of Gary Cahill, who sustained a knock to his foot late in the game. At least Chelsea will have Branislav Ivanovic available as his current ban affects domestic games alone.

Meanwhile, Frank Lampard is determined to go into the Barcelona tie in positive mood following the win over Spurs.

Pundits have almost universally written off Chelsea's chances of getting past the holders to book a final date with either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in Munich next month. But Lampard insists the Blues have to be confident going into the game.

Lampard said: "From the start of every game, it's 50-50. Barcelona are favourites because of the players they have in their team but if we play like we did against Spurs in the two games then we will have a chance.

"It gives us confidence. We have to carry that on. There's no point in resting on that because the game on Wednesday's huge. We need to take that into the Champions League games and all the rest of our league games.

"Any team's beatable. They are the best, but we can't show too much fear. We have to take them on and I think we can do it.''

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