Yossi Benayoun sidelined for 6 months
Chelsea has confirmed that Israeli midfielder, Yossi Benayoun, has been sidelined for the next 6 months due to an Achilles injury.
Chelsea's official statement was as follows:
“Yossi Benayoun will undergo surgery on his Achilles on Monday. The Israeli international returned to the club from international duty last week, and will now be out of action for approximately six months.”
This is a bad news for Chelsea as Benayoun was brought in to give sufficient cover in the midfield after Chelsea released Joe Cole and Michael Ballack. The versatile midfielder has the ability to play on either wing as well as in the centre of the park.
Yossi Benayoun moved to Chelsea from Liverpool for a free of 5.5 million pounds with Joe Cole moving in the other direction. Yossi Benayoun has made a total of five appearances for Chelsea (three substitute appearances in the League and one each in the League
Cup and Euro Cup) while scoring one goal for the club. A 6 month spell on the sidelines might convince the club to look for another midfielder in the January transfer window as the League Champions look to compete on three different fronts this season.
Carlo Ancelotti should not be too worried about the injury, at least till the first half of the season. Chelsea have a huge squad with a few big names in it. They should not have any problems in coping up with Benayoun’s injury till the start of the January
transfer window. Mikel, Sturridge, Ramires, Kalou and Zhirkov are all capable enough to step in and do the job for the club. Although more injury blows cannot be ruled out of a sport such as football, in which case it will become harder for Ancelotti’s men
to cope with the pressure and continue to deliver in fine fashion.
Looking at other side of the picture, it will also provide another psychological setback for the League Champions after their recent relegation from the Carling Cup. These circumstances will really test the mental strength of Ancelotti and Co. and they will
have to use all their experience to come out of this mess. Therefore, it is almost impossible to speculate how this new development will affect the club this season.
On the other hand, Chelsea would welcome back Solomon Kalou and Alex in training after thigh injuries which prevented both the players to play for international duty. This would come as great news for Chelsea and a relief for Ancelotti after Benayoun’s injury
news.
Tags: