Robben is major concern for Mourinho

Winger Arjen Robben is a major doubt for Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final second leg tie at Anfield tomorrow.

And while Damien Duff started today’s training session at Anfield, he soon walked off the pitch, raising fears over his ability to return after injury.

That could open the way for Joe Cole to be recalled to the side, but Mourinho was not giving too much away about his plans – apart from admitting his continued doubts over Robben and Duff.

Asked whether Liverpool would miss the suspended Xabi Alonso, he replied: “They’ll miss him no more than we miss Robben or Duff in other matches and maybe tomorrow again.

“Alonso is a very good player, of course, but they have Igor Biscan, Steven Gerrard, Dietmar Hamann and Harry Kewell.

“They have a lot of solutions. For us, it’s more difficult as we only have two wingers. If we lose one, we are in trouble. If we lose two, then it’s a problem that you cannot solve.”

Mourinho played down reports of an internal rift over the Dutchman’s ankle injury, which has persisted for the past three months, but admitted the team would miss him if he is ruled out.

“It’s a very difficult moment for him. He wants to play and help the team to arrive at an important moment. He’s been very important for us all season,” he said.

“But now, at the decisive moments, he’s not involved. He didn’t play in the Carling Cup final, he didn’t play at Bolton and, although we don’t know, maybe he can’t play tomorrow either.

“Everyone supports him though. He’s ready to risk a little bit or play not at the maximum of his quality. He’s always in my first plans, but sometimes it’s impossible.”

While Cole started today’s session among the ’reserves’, he may return if Duff and Robben are both ruled out, while Geremi will also be hoping to keep his place at right-back ahead of Glen Johnson.

While Jiri Jarosik is ineligible for Champions League duty, Scott Parker, Wayne Bridge and Paulo Ferreira are all long-term absentees.

Chelsea (probable): Cech, Cudicini, Geremi, Johnson, Gallas, Terry, Carvalho, Huth, Lampard, Makelele, Tiago, Cole, Robben, Duff, Smertin, Gudjohnsen, Drogba, Kezman, Forssell.