Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho faces a race to be fit in time for their crucial game against Bolton on Sunday.

Carvalho limped out of their victory over Newcastle on Monday afternoon after twice falling heavily on his back.

The Portuguese international underwent intensive treatment on the injury and is desperate to be fit in time to face Wanderers at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea know that a result which betters Manchester United's on the final day of the season will earn them the title.

Carvalho has become a vital member of the side and has not been on the losing side in the last 42 league games he had played in.

It is a run that stretches back to Chelsea's away defeat at Tottenham in November 2006.

Striker Salomon Kalou is also struggling with an ankle injury but he should be fit in time.

Meanwhile, England left-back Ashley Cole, rested for their win over Newcastle on Monday, believes Bolton will not make it easy for them.

"Bolton will be coming to the Bridge wanting to win whether they are safe or not, we'll be so focused and determined to beat them," said Cole.

"We have a lot of big players with big hearts and everyone wants to win. We have to win because it would be a killer if Manchester United got a draw and we didn't get a result."

TeamTalk / Eurosport