According to Metro, Chelsea have decided to stop their pursuit of another player in Monaco striker Radamel Falcao, after the Colombian was stretchered off the club’s midweek win against Monts Or Azergues in the French League Cup.

The Blues have been looking to strengthen their strike force after a rugged first half of the season as far as their strikers are concerned. Fernando Torres looked to build on a decent start to the season, but has not been firing on all cylinders by any means. In the 17 appearances this season, Torres has scored just 4 goals, and has now sustained an injury that will keep him out for a few weeks. Victor Moses and Romelu Lukaku have been loaned out, while Demba Ba will now be given a chance to partner up with Samuel Eto’o in attack.

Chelsea are just two points off the top of the Barclays Premier League, and must take all their chances to ensure they remain within touching distance of the title. Jose Mourinho’s side have relied too much on their star midfielders, but cannot afford to do the same in the second half of the campaign, with the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League also approaching.

Falcao signed a lucrative contract with Monaco last year to become one of the world’s highest paid footballers. However, the financial implications of the contract are weighing hard on the new owner Dmitry Rybolovlev. The 27-year old will most certainly have to be sold to balance the financial books, but Falcao’s injury has averted that possibility until after the FIFA World Cup.