Makelele out for Chelsea

Chelsea will be without Claude Makelele for tomorrow’s trip to Aston Villa after the French midfield star was stretchered off with a knee injury in yesterday’s goalless home draw with Middlesbrough.

Manager Claudio Ranieri, having conceded the Premiership title to Arsenal, now admits he his “highly concerned” about Makelele who could even miss the exciting climax to Chelsea’s Champions League bid.

Ranieri admitted his decision to omit Damien Duff, Scott Parker, Wayne Bridge and Mario Melchiot on Saturday could have cost second-placed Chelsea two vital points and all should start at Villa Park.

Ranieri may well also change his strike force, bringing in Adrian Mutu and Hernan Crespo for Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink and Eidur Gudjohnsen while midfielder Juan Veron is likely to be among the substitutes again after making his comeback from the bench on Saturday after five months out with back trouble.

Team from: Ambrosio; Gallas, Melchiot, Terry, Desailly, Bridge, Lampard, Parker, Cole, Veron, Geremi, Duff, Melchiot, Mutu, Crespo, Huth, Gudjohnsen, Hasselbaink, Babayaro, Sullivan.