Sinclair: Chelsea would cope without duo

Former Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair believes experienced Portuguese duo Jose Bosingwa and Paulo Ferreira are capable of filling in at centre-back in the Champions League final if called upon.

The Blues, who will be without the suspended John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic, are hopeful that Gary Cahill and David Luiz will return from hamstring injuries to face Bayern Munich.

But if either cannot start or complete the big game, Sinclair – who played at full-back and as a central defender during his long spell at Stamford Bridge– insists Chelsea would cope.

“Losing John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic is a big blow, but Ferreira and Bosingwa can adapt,” Sinclair told West London Sport.

“I never had a problem switching and they are vastly experienced international players, who are used to playing in big games.

“Ferriera is a total professional, they have both played there before – including this season – and both can do a job if needed.”

Sinclair, now 40 and playing for non-League Colwyn Bay, added: “Bayern have exceptional attacking players.  They proved that in the group and knockout stages and have scored a lot of goals.

“Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery have incredible pace and whoever plays against their forward line will have to be on song.”

Chelsea youth-team product Sinclair, who progressed through the ranks with current assistant boss Eddie Newton, played alongside interim manager Roberto Di Matteo and now works for Chelsea TV, is convinced Cahill and Luiz will play in Germany.

Luiz was injured in the semi-final second leg against Barcelona last month, while Cahill was hurt in the first-leg victory over the Catalan giants.

Both players missed the FA Cup final against Liverpool but have trained this week and look like featuring on Saturday.

“I spoke to Gary this week and I am sure both will be okay,” Sinclair said. “It’s looking like they will be fit and that’s a massive boost.

“Hamstring injuries take time. If they are not ready, they are not ready. There is no fast process and rushing it would just do damage.

“But they have had a few days’ training and the Chelsea medical staff are exceptional so I am 95% sure they will play.

“It’s such a big game, they are desperate to play and both players are prepared to put their bodies on the line.”

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See also:
Dixon: United didn’t ditch their old guard, so why should Chelsea?
Chelsea are not like Arsenal and shouldn’t leave Stamford Bridge
A move to the ‘Battersea Bridge’ make sense for Chelsea

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