Defensive worries mount for Chelsea

Chelsea are facing a potential defensive crisis derailing their season after Branislav Ivanovic was hit with a violent-conduct charge.

The Blues could be without Ivanovic for three crucial London derbies if he is found guilty of striking Shaun Maloney in Saturday's Barclays Premier League win over Wigan - starting with Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham.

With captain John Terry playing through the pain of cracked ribs and left-back Ashley Cole's ankle injury reportedly worse than first feared, caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo could be faced with a real dilemma this weekend and beyond during what is a punishing schedule.

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