Scolari sweating on Blues trio
Luiz Felipe Scolari faces an anxious wait to learn whether three of his players will be ready to face Newcastle tomorrow after completing a gruelling 18-hour return to London from Brazil.
The Chelsea boss was in Brasilia on Wednesday night to watch a Portugal team containing Deco, Jose Bosingwa and Paulo Ferreira get thrashed 6-2 by Brazil.
The trio then faced an arduous journey back to London and must be doubtful for the clash with Joe Kinnear’s team.
Yet Scolari, unlike some of Barclays Premier League colleagues, refused to criticise the latest round of international friendlies.
The Brazilian understands the requirements of national teams having been in charge of both Portugal and his home nation during his managerial career.
He believes that players must enjoy their time with the national side even if it means that he is left with little to work with in training.
“It is not a problem for us because we follow the schedule and know the time the players go to the national team,” says Scolari.
“It is difficult sometimes because we stay here with five, six or seven players only and it is difficult to do our job, but we worked before the players went to the national team for the next game.
“When they arrive back it is only to check they are not injured and do a little training before putting them on the pitch.
“I understand my friends (international coaches) and when it is possible, I say to my players every time, they need to go to the national team because it is fantastic for them and the coach needs to receive these players in good condition.”
Scolari hopes to have England midfielder Joe Cole back for their clash against the Geordies on Saturday although it is unlikely that he will start.
Cole has been struggling with a hamstring injury but the Chelsea coach believes the midfielder could be fit in time.
The Blues still have other problems, with both Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard doubtful. Cole is struggling with a foot problem and Lampard was forced out of the England squad for the friendly with Germany because of a rib injury.
Alex and Juliano Belletti are doubtful while Michael Essien and Franco Di Santo are definitely out.
Meanwhile, Neil Warnock has admitted making an approach to Chelsea about striker Ben Sahar.
The Crystal Palace manager is looking to boost his side’s goalscoring power after scoring just 20 goals in 17 Championship games this term.
The 19-year-old is currently on a six-month loan deal at Portsmouth, but is due to return to Chelsea in January.
Now Warnock has admitted Palace have asked about his availability.
“We know Sahar is not playing at Portsmouth, he is someone we’ve asked about,” confirmed Warnock.
Sahar has previously spent time on loan in Championship with both Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday.
