The Spanish striker had to be taken off in the second half in Chelsea’s 2-0 loss at Newcastle at the weekend due to a reported thigh problem. ESPNFC now say that he has aggravated his injury while training on Monday, which has made things all the more worse for him. He is certainly out of Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League game against their German opponents Schalke tonight, and is fearing an even longer stint in the recovery room.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho confirmed Torres’ injury as he said, “Fernando we know is a muscular injury”

“We don’t know the dimension, we have to wait.”

The 29-year old is due to undergo further tests, the results of which are expected shortly. Many at the club are fearing the worst, which will mean that the former Liverpool man will be injured throughout the course of this month, and will miss league games against West Ham and West Brom, along with a crucial European encounter which will see Chelsea travel to FC Basel.

The injury could not come at a worse time for the Blues, as Torres was on song in recent games leading up to the injury against Newcastle. In the previous match itself against Manchester City, Torres proved to be a menace for the City’s defense. He got the better of full-back Gael Clichy as he laid it out on a platter for Andre Schurrle in the buildup to the first goal.

He continued to make his presence felt in that game as he came close to scoring early in the second half by rattling the crossbar with a thunderous effort. However, his efforts were rewarded as it was he who got the winner late on, capitalizing on an error from City goalkeeper Joe Hart, which earned Chelsea all the 3 points.

His absence in the coming matches will be felt as he was certainly one of the most influential players in Chelsea’s attack of late. His forced withdrawal may see the likes of Demba Ba get an extended run into the side. Do you see Chelsea struggle in front without Torres against Schalke tonight?