Jose Mourinho is ready to put his trust in Tal Ben Haim at left-back with Wayne Bridge set to miss the start of the season and Ashley Cole doubtful.
Bridge admitted last week he was still being troubled by the injury he picked up whilst on international duty with England earlier in the summer.
He was thought to be feeling discomfort in his hip but, according to reports, scans showed the problem to be a mysterious pelvis injury.
Mourinho admits Bridge will be sidelined for several more weeks, while he also has concerns over Cole's fitness.
Cole has not yet returned to training after undergoing ankle surgery at the end of last season, and it is likely to be some time before he is ready for a competitive match.
With the start of the Premier League season less than a month away Mourinho is already making plans to fill the left-back position.
Versatile defender Ben Haim, normally a centre-back, is poised to play on the left during Chelsea's pre-season tour of America and Mourinho insists he is a reliable alternative.
"Without Bridge and Cole for a few more weeks, I think Tal is my first option for left-back," confirmed Mourinho.
"I will play him in one of these matches at left-back because I want to give him some routine, but I know he's a player I can trust."
Source : www.skysports.com
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 16 Jul 2007
