Chelsea FC News: Blues Growing Justifiably Impatient with Fernando Torres

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas decided to keep a few stars out of play today in his club's Champions League opener at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are set for a Premier League clash with Manchester United later this week and do not want risk losing ground against the defending English champs.

Among those sitting were captain John Terry and vice-captain Frank Lampard. The two elder Englishman are vital pieces of the puzzle at Stamford Bridge and deserve to be given the best opportunity to succeed against United.

The same cannot be said for Fernando Torres though, as the Spanish striker has done little to ease concerns of his form so far in West London.

He was given the start today alongside Daniel Sturridge to hopefully impress, but things haven't gone as the club would have hoped.

Unfortunately, this is none too surprising.

Torres has one goal as a member of the Blues since joining in the January transfer window some months ago.

His play has been, not only uninspiring, but downright disappointing overall.

He was brought over from Liverpool for a British record transfer fee and hasn't earned any bit of the five-and-a-half-year deal at all.

AVB has inherited him, not chosen him, but owner Roman Abramovich is determined to make things happen with the Spaniard up top.

That time is running thin as Torres continues to disappoint.

The Blues have English under-21 Sturridge to work up top with as well as 18-year-old Belgian Romelu Lukaku, 25-year-old Salomon Kalou and veterans Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba.

Long story short, the West London outfit doesn't have a ton of time to waste with Torres' disappointing play.

His performance today got him on the stat sheet with two assists for the Blues' two goals.

This might have bought him some time on the pitch, but it won't save him for very long.

If Torres can't build off this performance today, he'll be replaced in the starting XI very, very soon.