Bad news for Chelsea’s defender, Gary Cahill. It looks like this season which has been one of the most demanding in his playing career, has taken its toll on the English international’s body. After complaining that his team is playing too many matches and that no player should be exposed to such an intense program and be expected to be 100% fit each and every time, Cahill is now out of Roy Hodgson’s plans, at least as far as far as the San Marino match goes and will be reassessed with a view to him playing in the possibly crucial second qualification match against Montenegro.
Cahill is still waiting for the FA medical team to express their professional opinion on his condition, but he does not have high hopes for the end result. His problem happened when Chelsea faced West Ham on the weekend. It seems his knee started acting up after jumping for a header.
The English international will probably miss out on Chelsea’s next match against United too. The Blues have the necessary resources to replace their injured player, but it would have been better to have someone of Cahill’s experience next to Terry or Luiz.
It is going to be an important turning point for Cahill if he misses out on what could very well be a crucial qualifier, having already missed out on Euro 2012 because of another injury. The 27 year old has been playing for Chelsea since last year and will be disappointed to be missing out on playing for his country in such important matches. He is an impressive center back with real qualities and that has been recognised by both club and country, but luck is not always on his side. Knee injuries can be very difficult and it is quite possible he will miss out on both of the qualification matches during this international break.
Roy Hodgson has decided to replace Cahill for now. Newcastle’s Steven Taylor will apparently get his first call up to the senior squad. There are other options in the squad to replace Chelsea’s defender, but none seem to be in the best form of their lives. Smalling, Caulker and Lescott are great players but none of them look in top shape.
It is hard to say what will happen to Cahill especially considering Chelsea have made it through to the next stage of the Europa League and are involved in other battles both for the FA Cup and a place in next years’ Champions League. The schedule is not getting any lighter from here on in.