Chelsea defender David Luiz is confident of recovering from a hamstring problem in time for the UEFA Champions League final.
Chelsea defender working hard to make Champions League final
Chelsea defender David Luiz is confident of recovering from a hamstring problem in time for the UEFA Champions League final.
The Blues are facing a centre-back crisis for the May 19th showpiece against Bayern Munich, with John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic both suspended and Luiz and Gary Cahill in a race against time to recover from injuries.
Caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo said on Friday he hoped Luiz and Cahill would return to full training this week.
Brazil international Luiz, who has been sidelined since being forced off on a stretcher in Chelsea's FA Cup semi-final win over Tottenham last month, said: "Every day, I have had treatment and am going through hard training so that, in Munich, I can play.
"I am doing everything I can for this game. It is a dream (to play).
Special day
"Not just my dream of course, but for all players in the world.
"They all dream to play in the Champions League final.
"I think my fitness will be good and I will be fit for Munich.
If Luiz and Cahill sit out Tuesday's Premier League game at Liverpool, they will only have Sunday's clash with Blackburn to get match fit for the following Saturday's Allianz Arena showdown.
Chelsea also have Ramires and Raul Meireles suspended and Luiz added: "We have four great players out.
"This is difficult without JT, Ivanovic, Ramires and Meireles, but we have other players who can do excellent jobs in this Champions League."
Luiz joined in the Blues' FA Cup final celebrations despite his personal Wembley heartache.
"I'm very happy," he said.
"A special day, a special game and a special party now."
