Chelsea have confirmed that Deco and Carvalho will face several weeks on the sidelines as a result of the injuries sustained prior and during Sunday’s draw with United.
Deco has been diagnosed with a tear in an upper thigh muscle and will be missing for around a fortnight. His compatriot Carvalho meanwhile, has sustained a strained medial collateral ligament in his knee and will be out for three-to-four-weeks.
Alex is set to deputise in central defence in Carvalho’s absence, making him a decent short-term fantasy signing, while Ballack is most likely to profit from an unchallenged run in the side as a result of Deco’s injury.