Key player in race against time bid to be fit for Tottenham clash against Chelsea - report

By Danny Wright

Chelsea could be without Gary Cahill for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Tottenham, according to a report.

The Telegraph claims that the defender was admitted to hospital on Tuesday and spent two nights there with a mystery illness.

A number of Antonio Conte’s squad were hit by a stomach bug before their Premier League loss to Manchester United on Sunday, but it is believed that Cahill’s illness isn’t linked to what Marcos Alonso, Diego Costa and Victor Moses had.

Kurt Zouma and John Terry are the likely options to replace the 31-year-old in Chelsea’s starting line-up while Nathan Ake is also on standby.

Cahill has taken part in every minute of Chelsea’s Premier League campaign this season and has been a big part of their defensive back three.

The Telegraph’s report comes as a major boost for Spurs knowing that their opposition will be severely weakened if the England international doesn’t feature.

The former Bolton and Aston Villa centre-back has made 37 appearances for Conte’s side across all competitions this season, scoring six goals.

He has also worn the captain’s armband for most of the campaign as Terry has struggled to hold down a place in the first team.

Terry, 36, announced earlier this week that he will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

Saturday's winners will set up an FA Cup final against either Manchester City or Arsenal, who play their semi-final on Sunday.

In other Tottenham news, the club are set to make a decision in days on this £15million deal.

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