New Centre-Back Pairing For Chelsea?

With John Terry (back), Ricardo Carvalho (knee) and Alex (hip & thigh) all receiving treatment making them doubtful for tomorrow’s trip to Middlesbrough, the implication is that Under-21 centre-half Michael Mancienne could be handed a Premier League start.

Not that the 20 year old hasn’t been waiting for this sort of opportunity, with him saying “I understand the problem at Chelsea because there are so many top-quality players. But it can get you down when you are a regular with England Under-21s but you go back to the reserve team. It’s very frustrating.  I am at a stage now where I need to play first-team football and feel ready to test myself at the highest level.”

However, there’s testing yourself and there’s throwing yourself in at the deep end, because with all of our first choice defenders doubtful, he could see himself alongside Branislav Ivanovic who only recently made his Premier League debut against Aston Villa after eight months at Chelsea.

Still, by the sounds of it, it could be a timely appearance for the youngster who’s recently been considering his future at Chelsea, stating “My game has blossomed under England under-21 coach Stuart Pearce and my education at Chelsea has been top class.  I will keep trying to catch the boss’ eye but eventually you have to be honest and start thinking about what’s best for your career.”

Sounds like Mr Pearce has had a word in the lads ear about ‘stockpiling’.