Benitez confirms Cech and Luiz to miss Reading clash

Jan 29, 2013 3:50:00 PM

The Blues boss has revealed he will be without the influential duo for their match against the Royals, and also bemoaned the club’s fixture list and lack of squad depth

Interim Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez has confirmed defensive duo Petr Cech and David Luiz will miss their Premier League clash against Reading on Wednesday through injury.

The ex-Liverpool tactician also bemoaned the number of games his side have had to play over recent weeks and believes his squad lack strength in depth.

He told reporters: "We are playing more games than anyone. In some positions we have only two or three players, that's the reality.

"After the Africa Cup of Nations, and when we get Eden Hazard back, we'll be able to manage a bit better.

"I'm really focused on my job. We know we are training well and preparing properly, and that's my job."


CECH TARGETS EUROPA LEAGUE
4.75	Fernando Torres is 4.75 with bet365 to open the scoring against Reading

The Blues avoided an early exit from the FA Cup on Sunday after grabbing a late equaliser in their 2-2 draw against Brentford, after Fernando Torres ended an eight-game goal-drought, and Benitez is keen to take positives from that match.

He added: "The positive is that we are still scoring goals and conceding less than in the past, but we still need to improve.

"I was really pleased with John Terry against Brentford after not playing for such a long time.

"My focus is to improve the team and keep the players believing that we can win. I like managing top sides and this is one."

Chelsea travel to face an in-form Reading side on Wednesday as they look to remain in the Premier League title race, but Benitez is aware his side face a tricky test.

He continued: "Reading will be a tough game, we know they play with high intensity and we have to be ready."

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