"During these two years at Chelsea I had two operations and a serious back injury.”

"If I will have the opportunity to train and play without injuries, I would like to leave my mark on the history of Chelsea. Injuries constantly kept me out of action."

 

Some Chelsea fans will feel sceptical with regard to Shevchenko´s claims whilst lingering defenders of the striker will point to his comments on the injuries as a reason for the bewildering lack of form he has suffered since arriving at the Bridge – once properly fit we could still benefit from a player who was previously the best in the business.

Shevchenko states that his fitness is improving after a groin operation at the end of last season and that Scolari has been supportive:

"I have trained with the team only a week. The process of recovery is taking place normally and the injury doesn't bother me.”

"It is gratifying that the coach gave me an opportunity to get back into the rhythm of playing.”

However, Sheva knows it’s going to be tough to break into the starting line-up:

"We had a good conversation. I'm only now getting into shape and recovering from injury, so preference is given to those players who are in better form.

"The coach always chooses the best players in order to choose the best scheme. I very much respect Scolari as a man and a great coach."

 "I think the challenge for the coach now is to find the optimum team and help the players achieve their best form."

"Scolari has enough players to change the scheme of the game. He will be able to judge the best strategy."

Well, if Sheva is to reproduce his Milan form he would need a run in the team to get confidence back. 

It will be interesting to see how the competition goes between Anelka, Drogba and the Ukrainian - depending on form and injuries and how often Scolari uses two up front then maybe he’ll get a chance to show us all.

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