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 clubÂ’s 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 clubÂ’s 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 clubÂ’s transfer targets, but the Dane will have even greater influence on new recruits next season.