David Luiz will be critical to depleted Chelsea next week against At. Madrid in the Champions League

David Luiz

David Luiz of Chelsea in action during the UEFA Champions League semi final match between Atletico de Madrid and Chelsea

Andy Townsend has told ITV Sport that Chelsea can still cope without key men in the title run-in and the Champions League second-leg tie against Atletico Madrid.

The Blues travelled to Spain on Tuesday night to take on the Spanish league leaders and ground out a 0-0 draw at the Vicente Calderon. Their efforts were not hugely rewarded though, with Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel picking up bookings ruling them out of the second-leg next week.

To make matters worse, Petr Cech dislocated his shoulder and John Terry hobbled off 20-minutes from time as he hurt his ankle during an incident in the box.

Mourinho complained afterwards regarding the selection headache he now faces with Premier League leaders Liverpool waiting for them on Sunday and then a mouth-watering second-leg against Atletico to follow.

Townsend however, believes that Mourinho’s side should cope with all the injuries and suspensions: “They’re going to have to make do, one or two are going to have to do a job for the team.

“Certainly David Luiz is going to be an important player in there next week. But they still have a lot of good players, lets not forget as much what Jose says, they still have some good players.”

The second-leg against Atletico Madrid takes place at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday 30th April for Chelsea,

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