Desailly fears dismissed

Chelsea is in Paris having treatment on his Achilles

Marcel Desailly's Achilles injury is not career-threatening, said Chelsea managing director Colin Hutchinson.

Desailly said on his personal website on Monday that he is extremely concerned by a long-standing Achilles problem.

"I'm a little bit down because the tendon is causing me real problems," said Desailly.

But Hutchinson has dismissed suggestions the World Cup winner has a serious injury problem that could lead to his retirement.

"He has got a minor Achilles problem, his injury is nowhere near career-threatening" Hutchinson told the London Evening Standard newspaper on Tuesday.

"All the indications are he will be available for the Blackburn game a week on Saturday."

Desailly returned to Paris with the rest of the French team following their friendly international against Australia in Sydney but did not return to Chelsea.

He is suspended for Saturday's match at Everton and has been allowed to remain in France for treatment.

"With our permission he is staying in Paris and receiving treatment from his own guru," said Hutchinson.

Hutchinson added that Desailly is furious with suggestions he could have to retire.

"I spoke to him and he is steaming," said Hutchinson.

"He did a lengthy interview about injuries and how serious Achilles problems have curtailed the careers of various players down the years.

"He said he was making the point that if he ever had a serious injury he would have to look at the situation."