Chelsea have denied Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko refused to travel with the rest of the team to face Liverpool in the all-English Champions League semi-final return leg.
Reports suggested there had been a rift between the player and the London club but Chelsea have moved swiftly to deny there is any problem.
A statement from Chelsea read: "Contrary to media reports this morning, Andriy Shevchenko did not refuse to travel with the team to Liverpool.
"He suffered an injury during training on Sunday and it was decided after training that he was not fit to play against Liverpool and therefore, like other injured players, did not travel."
Shevchenko has also confirmed that he was injured, expressing his disappointment at being unavailable.
He told his official website: "I am really sorry to miss the match and can't be with the team to help and support them in what must be one of the most important games in Chelsea's history.
"I will remain in London and work hard on my rehabilitation to ensure I can make myself available as soon as possible."
A statement from Chelsea read: "Contrary to media reports this morning, Andriy Shevchenko did not refuse to travel with the team to Liverpool.
"He suffered an injury during training on Sunday and it was decided after training that he was not fit to play against Liverpool and therefore, like other injured players, did not travel."
Shevchenko has also confirmed that he was injured, expressing his disappointment at being unavailable.
He told his official website: "I am really sorry to miss the match and can't be with the team to help and support them in what must be one of the most important games in Chelsea's history.
"I will remain in London and work hard on my rehabilitation to ensure I can make myself available as soon as possible."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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