The injury worries at Chelsea continue as two key stars have been ruled out of the FA Cup Final later this month against Manchester United. Chelsea have lost out in the English Premier League only managing to claim second place from revived Manchester United. They must now battle the title holders for more silverware in the FA Cup Final without influential players Michael Ballack and Ricardo Carvalho.

Michael Ballack has undergone surgery on an ankle injury and although he has returned to training he has been ruled out of any return to action. It is reported that the surgery which was carried out in Germany was undertaken against the clubs wishes adding fuel to speculation that there is a rift between the player and club. Portugese defender Ricardo Carvalho will also miss out on FA Cup glory. The player picked up a knee injury in the recent game with Bolton earlier in the month. Damage to Carvalho’s medial ligaments rules him out.