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28 March 2024

Swansea show Chelsea are nothing without Mata

Juan Mata is the midfield conductor for Chelsea. (GETTY)

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By Staff

Chelsea are desperate to have their playmaker Juan Mata back following a pedestrian display without him against Swansea on Saturday.

Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo was more concerned about Mata's hamstring after the 1-1 draw at Liberty Stadium which propelled Manchester United to the top of the Premier League.

"I really hope so," he said when asked if the Spain midfielder will be fit for Wednesday's Champions League assignment against Shakhtar Donetsk at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea's defence of the Champions League has been shaky with a win over Nordsjaelland sandwiched by a home draw with Juventus - a game in which they led 2-0 - and an underwhelming defeat against Shakhtar last time out.

The Spaniard has been the creative force behind Chelsea's rise this season, scoring seven goals across all competitions.

He has been the vital cog in Chelsea's deadly midfield which also includes Eden Hazard and Oscar.

Di Matteo will be monitoring Mata's fitness closely over the coming days, along with the sharpness and mental wellbeing of captain John Terry, who will be eligible for a return from his four-game ban for racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

Chelsea have conceded 10 goals in the time Terry has been sidelined and Di Matteo said: "He's a big player for us. We will have to see how the next days go, then we'll make a decision on whether he plays. We will have to see (if he is match-fit and mentally ready)."