Ricardo Carvalho has revealed he has been playing through injury in order to help Chelsea's charge.
The Blues were without fellow defender and captain John Terry for two months because of a serious back complaint.
Losing Carvalho as well would have been a major blow to Jose Mourinho's side, so the Portuguese stopper kept himself going.
However, despite anti-inflammatory tablets and plenty of rest, the 28-year-old has spoken of his struggles playing through the pain.
"I had to do it because of the other injuries we had," Carvalho said in the Daily Star.
"The worst was after games as it would really swell up and become very sore. It would be okay to play again after two or three days' treatment.
"It was a big problem but, with the help of anti-inflammatory tablets and lots of rest, I got through it.
"My ankle feels much better now."
he had to...if he didnt, there would be no recognized center back
play through pain cos you are paid well to do so