Chelsea await confirmation of extent of Carvalho’s back injury

CHELSEA are still awaiting confirmation that Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho has broken small bones in his back and faces a two-month lay-off.

Carvalho, 29, was injured after falling awkwardly in the first half of the 1-1 draw with Everton on Sunday and was forced to retire from the game.

The defender returned to Portugal and was examined by the national team’s medical staff. Portuguese doctor Henrique Jones insisted Carvalho had fractured small bones in his back and would be out for eight weeks.