Ricardo Carvalho could be out for up to a month with a knee injury sustained against Manchester United yesterday, while Deco will be out for a fortnight after suffering a tear in his thigh during the warm-up to the game.
Carvalho suffered medial collateral ligament damage during the 1-1 draw and was taken off in the 12th minute of the clash, with medical staff estimating the problem will lead to between three and four weeks on the sidelines. The former Porto defender should return after the next international break, though he could miss the club's Champions League tie against Roma and Premier League clash against Liverpool if he is out for the full month.
In more positive news for Chelsea, the blow of losing Deco will be softened by the imminent arrival of Brazil midfielder Mineiro as a free agent. The 33-year-old will provide cover for John Mikel Obi in a holding role, with Michael Essien already out for six months.
