Van Basten warning for Robben

Dutch coach Marco Van Basten today warned Arjen Robben that he must learn to tackle differently to avoid the foot injuries that have wrecked his season.

Robben has broken two bones in his foot and will not play until next month at the earliest.

The 21-year-old said: "This is a disaster. Everything was going so well. It is a massive blow and comes just at the moment when I was in top shape."

Robben was hurt in a tackle at Blackburn last week and former AC Milan star Van Basten, whose career was ended by a foot injury, said: "Every defender knows they must eliminate Robben. Maybe he must learn to go differently, more lightfooted into a duel. I had to do that in the past. That is something he'll learn."

Chelsea struggled without Robben in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Manchester City and fear that the injury could keep him out of their run-in to the season as they chase four trophies.

The winger was sidelined for almost three months after suffering a broken foot and ankle ligament damage during a pre-season friendly against Roma, and there are fears he may be facing a similar spell on the sidelines again.

Initial tests were inconclusive because the swelling was so bad but yesterday's eximination is believed to have revealed the broken bones.