Chelsea Defender Alex Faces Three-Week Absence With Thigh Injury

Chelsea defender Alex has been ruled out for three weeks after he limped off during the final stages of Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal.

The centre back will now miss Brazil’s friendly international fixtures against Iran on Thursday and Monday’s match with Ukraine at Derby County’s Pride Park.

The Brazilian has formed a formidable partnership with John Terry as Carlo Ancelotti’s side have raced to the top of the Premier League table.

Alex was substituted moments after scoring a thunderbolt free kick which secured Chelsea’s win over their great London rivals.

The injury will be a blow to boss Carlo Ancelotti who also lost the valuable experience of Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho in the summer, after he rejoined former manager Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.