Duff fitness causing concern

Damien Duff's fitness has become a major concern at Chelsea, admits manager Claudio Ranieri.

And although the Blues are running short of players in general as they enter one of the most critical phases of the campaign, Iranieri says his £17m (€24m) flying Irishman is by far the biggest individual worry.

Duff is again ruled out for the Premiership battle with Charlton at Stamford Bridge tomorrow. He has not started a match since dislocating a shoulder in the win over Fulham on December 20.

Ranieri said: "I can't say when Damien will be back. He has an Achilles tendon injury now and it is just not good enough for me to risk playing him.

"We miss him so much because he is the type of player who dribbles, gives you the chance of two-on-one and creates space. We will need him for the next month, which will probably dictate where our season goes.

"The two matches against Arsenal in the league and FA Cup will certainly show a lot to us."