Chelsea managing director Colin Hutchinson said: ‘‘He has got a minor Achilles problem. He is not available on Sunday so with our permission he is staying in Paris and receiving treatment from his own guru for the remainder of this week.

‘‘All the indications are that he will be available for the Blackburn game a week on Saturday.

‘‘As far as the injury is concerned, it’s nowhere near career-threatening. He has got a contract with us for another two years after this season and provided the minor injury is managed correctly then it should clear up quickly.’’