Chelsea boss Avram Grant has refused to concede the
Premier League title to Manchester United or
Arsenal.
The latest setback to hit Stamford Bridge has come following the
Boxing Day 4-4 draw with Aston Villa after Ashley Cole and Ricardo
Carvalho were sent off.
The Blues are already without striker Didier Drogba and key
defender John Terry.
Carvalho is set to miss the forthcoming fixtures with Newcastle and
Fulham and an FA Cup tie against QPR whilst Cole has made a claim
for wrongful dismissal to the FA which will be heard on
Friday.
Chelsea are currently seven points behind league leaders United in
third place and any further blows during the hectic festive period
would put their hopes of claiming back the title in doubt.
But rather than be downbeat about his side's chances, Grant is not
giving up hope and is instead relishing the tough task ahead.
Challenge
"As long as we have a chance we will do everything we can to catch
Manchester United and Arsenal," he said.
"We have character and will not give up. We will do anything to
challenge them.
"This job has been a big challenge from the day I started it and I
will accept this latest challenge."
Chelsea have already been without a number of players during the
campaign due to injury including Terry, Frank Lampard, Petr Cech,
Carvalho and Cole, and Grant is determined not to be defeated by
having a depleted squad now.
"To have these players unavailable is a test for us, but we have
been here already this season by playing without big names," he
said.
"Football is always a big test when you have a bad time. It's not
easy but this is the situation and we'll make the best of it.
"I'm waiting for the day when I can be like other managers and have
all my players available. I think that time will come one day."