CRACKING UP?

Last updated : 09 February 2005 By editor

From Indie:

'The Chelsea winger Arjen Robben was at the centre of a dispute within the club last night after it is understood that his manager, Jose Mourinho, sacked the doctor who was treating the player.

Robben, 21, sustained a broken foot in last week's Premiership match against Blackburn and Mourinho is believed to have told the club doctor Neil Frazer that he had to get the player fit for the Carling Cup final against Liverpool on 27 February. When Frazer told Mourinho that the player would not be fit in time, he is understood to have been told by the Portuguese coach that he was no longer wanted at the club.

For the first time this season, Mourinho is facing an injury crisis with striker Didier Drogba, defender Ricardo Carvalho and Robben all struggling for fitness.'

Chelsea have issued a statement:

"Dr Neil Frazer has stepped down from his position as club doctor due to ill health after nearly four years with Chelsea. The club would like to thank him for his service and wish him all the best in the future."