Duff set to feature in Chelsea tour
Irish wing wizard Damien Duff could be set to play some part in Chelsea's tour of the United States following his rehabilitation from a shoulder problem.
Chelsea face Celtic in Seattle on Saturday, before taking on Roma in Pittsburgh on July 29 and completing their schedule with a match against AC Milan at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on August 2.
Meanwhile Duff's new boss Jose Mourinho looks set to turn his attentions to bringing in another central defender after Portugal international midfielder Tiago became Chelsea’s latest acquisition.
Following the capture of Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba yesterday, and the news Eidur Gudjohnsen had penned a new deal at Stamford Bridge, the formalities of Tiago’s transfer from Benfica were finalised late last night.
The 23-year-old will fly out to the United States with the rest of the Chelsea squad later today for a three-match tour which will include games against Celtic, Roma and AC Milan.
Mourinho has already brought in forward Mateja Kezman and full-back Paulo Ferreira, while Dutch winger Arjen Robben and Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech complete the current set of new faces for the forthcoming season.
With Tiago having now arrived on a three-year deal after passing a medical on Monday, it would seem that Mourinho has his full complement of midfielders.
But it is at the heart of his defence which the Portuguese coach is hoping to strengthen ahead of the kick-off to the new Barclays Premiership season against Manchester United next month.
Speaking yesterday afternoon, the Chelsea manager said: “Yes, a central defender if it is possible, and a midfielder, to complete the 24-man squad – but I am really happy with what I have.”
Mourinho has made no secret of his desire to have two internationals for every position, and Iceland striker Gudjohnsen – who joined the Blues from Bolton in 2000 and had two years remaining on his previous deal – is ready to give the manager plenty to think about.
“There is always a lot of competition at a club like Chelsea,” he reflected on Chelsea TV.
“It’s just something to look forward to and hopefully the competition will get the best out of each other.”
Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff could, meanwhile, be set to play some part in the United States following his rehabilitation from a shoulder problem.
Chelsea face Celtic in Seattle on Saturday, before taking on Roma in Pittsburgh on July 29 and completing their schedule with a match against AC Milan at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Monday August 2.
