Chelsea unhappy that injured Alex was named as a sub by Brazil

Chelsea will make inquiries to the Brazilian FA over why Alex was named as a substitute for Brazil's friendly international against Argentina in Doha tonight, after the central defender was deemed to require an operation on his knee by both the club's medical team and the national side's own doctors. Chelsea had said: "Further to the Chelsea medical team's diagnosis, the Brazilian national team doctors agree that further investigation via arthroscopic surgery is required on the player's right knee. That will take place over the coming days." Yet despite this, he subsequently warmed up at the Khalifa International Stadium before taking his place on the bench. Mano Menezes, the Brazil head coach, however claimed that there was agreement with Chelsea to use Alex. "We have good relations and agreed we'd only use him for a few minutes at most," he said. In the event, Alex was not brought on and so avoided any danger of further aggravating the injury. Carlo Ancelotti, the Chelsea head coach, nevertheless still faces a crisis in defence. John Terry, the captain, flew to Italy today to see a specialist regarding a nerve problem in his right leg that may rule him out for the foreseeable future. "I'm at my wits' end," he said. "I know I won't play on Saturday against Birmingham City, but beyond that there are no clues. It could be weeks, it could be months." Alongside Alex and Terry, Ashley Cole was unable to play for England in tonight's friendly against France at Wembley, due to his ongoing ankle problem. And, with the sale of Ricardo Carvalho to Real Madrid in the summer, Branislav Ivanovic and Paulo Ferreira are the only senior defenders currently definitely available for the trip to Birmingham at the weekend. If Alex and Terry are confirmed as long-term casualties then Ancelotti may be forced to sign at least one experienced central defender in the January transfer window.