Fernando Torres set to be axed for Chelsea’s Champions League opener

Posted Monday, September 12, 2011 by thesun.co.uk

Fernando Torres set to be axed for Chelsea’s Champions League opener
FEELING BLUE ... Andre Villas-Boas walks past Fernando Torres at Sunderland

FERNANDO TORRES is facing a double whammy in Chelsea's big week.

Boss Andre Villas-Boas has hinted the £50million flop could be axed for tomorrow's Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen AND Sunday's trip to Manchester United.

AVB is set to keep faith with Daniel Sturridge, who marked his first start of the campaign with a goal in the Blues' 2-1 win at Sunderland.

Villas-Boas said: "We had a lot of teams calling Daniel to take him on loan during the transfer window but it was never going to happen.

"The technical staff and I all had the feeling we should bring him in. We have an outstanding player."

Torres was dropped to the bench at the Stadium of Light after failing to find the net in the first three games of the season.

Missing the Champions League opener would be a huge blow for the out-of-sorts Spaniard, 27, who has managed just one goal since his record-breaking switch in January.

Villas-Boas rallied his stars ahead of their toughest week of the season so far by calling on them to fire on all cylinders. But he hinted there may be no recall for Torres.

He added: "It is a very important week ahead for us and we really need to focus now on the next game which is of the utmost importance.

"Everybody wants to start well in the Champions League with three points — especially in a home game — and even more so because it comes before Manchester United.

"It is a vital week for us but we have a very good squad in all sectors and we will have to rest a few of the players in order to be able to respond.

"The Champions League requires a certain level, but at least we have a good four days before the Manchester United game."

Torres appeared out of touch when he came on as a 74th-minute sub and now faces a tough fight to get back into the team.

By contrast, Sturridge, 22, looked sharp as he opened his account for the season.

Villas-Boas believes now is the time for the England Under-21 striker to cement his place as a first-teamer at Stamford Bridge after he spent the second half of last season on loan at Bolton.

AVB said: "There is competition for all the main forward positions and it's important we have that."