Andriy Shevchenko has been forced to postpone an operation
on a long-standing groin injury after Jose Mourinho refused
permission for the procedure to be carried out this week.
Sportsmail can reveal that Shevchenko, who has been playing with
the injury for several weeks, wanted to undergo surgery after he
was left out of the team to face Liverpool in the Champions League
semi-final on Tuesday. Instead Shevchenko, who has told the clubs
medical staff that the injury is even preventing him from sprinting
properly, has been ordered to delay the operation until the end of
the season.
Mourinho was dismissive of the striker when he reported a
deterioration of his abductor muscle to medical staff on Sunday,
and he has since told Shevchenko that he will be required for the
rest of the season. Shevchenko has agreed to soldier on but fears
he is being made a scapegoat for the clubs failure to reach the
Champions League Final.
Meanwhile, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will be keeping tabs on
Mourinho through Frank Arnesen. Although Arnesen currently holds
the title of chief scout and director of youth development, there
are plans to increase his influence on matters relating to the
first team next season.
Mourinho has already admitted that he has not always seen eye to
eye with Arnesen over the clubs transfer targets, but the Dane
will have even greater influence on new recruits next season.