Ramires ready for battle

BRAZILIAN midfielder Ramires is set to make his debut for Chelsea against Stoke today and insists he is ready for the physical challenge of the Premier League.

The 23-year-old, who cost £17 million (€20m) from Benfica, is likely to start on the Stamford Bridge bench with Chelsea having scored six goals in both of their first two league games this season.

But he cannot wait to begin his Premier League career and is under no illusions about the physical and mental toughness required in the world’s most competitive league.