Sheva misses, Chelsea in jinx for the Cup finale

Only a couple of days post a horrendous outing for the Blues (against Arsenal that ended in a draw) that saw the double Premiership Champions lose the title to Manchester United, failing to grasp the title for the third time in succession – here comes another severe blow for Mourinho and co. Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko will undergo a hernia operation today and is likely to miss the FA Cup final. The surgery was scheduled for the end of the season earlier but due to reoccurring pain – Chelsea’s medical department has rescheduled it. He maybe at odds with the Portuguese boss at Stamford Bridge but when it comes to the talent on field and the ability to convert for the cause – the million-dollar – Ukrainian powerhouse is a true refuge. However, Chelsea is sure to rue its fate now. Many out there will advocate that Sheva has had a disappointing debut campaign in English football – as the Ukrainian international has struggled to find the rhythm and fervor that the striker had exhibited in Serie A. However, it isn’t the first instance of the sort – English football league is the most demanding league in world football today and perhaps that’s what has kept it at the pinnacle when it comes to the major European titles and this is the reason that many struggle to find the stride early in England. The injury had kept Shevchenko out off the squad for the last two matches that the Blues played – and unfortunately, for them both coasting on crucial junctures (one the finals spot in the Champions League and the other the Premiership title). His absence in the last decisive game of the season for Chelsea at the newly constructed Wembley Stadium is surely a big blow for the club and the loss means Blues will rely a great deal on its Sheva’s strike partner Didier Drogba in the FA Cup final.