Liam Rosenior confirms Chelsea injury blow

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has confirmed that Joao Pedro could be fit to face Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final this weekend.

The Blues have been in a dreadful run of form in the league and they recently suffered a fourth-straight loss after a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United at home.

Pedro was ruled out of that game with a thigh injury in training and Rosenior has revealed that tonight's league game against Brighton has come too soon for him too.

He said: "I think Joao Pedro will be good for Sunday [FA Cup semi final], but this game has come too close for him."

Pedro has been the Blues' best scoring outlet this campaign. Without him, Chelsea need to step up with a strong performance at Brighton as a defeat could pretty much end their prospects of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

Chelsea are already seven points behind fifth-placed Liverpool, who are holding onto the final Champions League position for next season.