Chelsea defender Bridge faces three-month absence

LONDON, July 16 (Reuters) Chelsea could enter the new season without a recognised left back after Wayne Bridge underwent surgery on a pelvis injury on Saturday.

Bridge, who was due to fly home from the club's United States tour today to begin his rehabilitation, faces three months on the sidelines, according to a report in the Daily Mail.

With Ashley Cole yet to return to training following an ankle operation at the end of last season, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho must reconsider his defensive options going into the new campaign.

Bridge has been told it will be two months before he can resume ball work, meaning Mourinho may ask new signing Tal Ben Haim to fill in at left back when the season begins on August 11.

''Without Bridge and Cole for a few more weeks, I think Tal is my first option for left back,'' said the Portuguese boss.

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