Chelsea play down Robben bust-up

Chelsea's Arjen Robben celebrates after scoring against Blackburn. Chelsea's hoped-for celebrations at winning the English Premier League on Saturday have been dampened by a reported bust-up between Jose Mourinho and his Dutch winger Arjen Robben.

Chelsea's hoped-for celebrations at winning the English Premier League on Saturday have been dampened by a reported bust-up between Jose Mourinho and his Dutch winger Arjen Robben.

Robben is said to have refused to start last Wednesday's Champions League semi-final against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, which finished goalless.

Chelsea have denied there is a problem between the pair, however Mourinho is said to be furious at the Dutchman's commitment and some reports suggest he could be dropped for the rest of the season.

Robben had been sidelined for a month with a bruised ankle but made a successful comeback as a substitute in the victory over Fulham last Saturday and was cleared as fit by the club's own medical team for the midweek crunch with Liverpool.

It is understood Mourinho made the decision to leave him out of the starting line-up against Liverpool before asking the Dutchman how he felt in the build-up to the game.

The Dutch winger told the Portuguese coach that he did not feel up to starting the game - but he was never in Mourinho's plans.

Chelsea spokesman Simon Greenberg said: "The relationship between the manager and Arjen Robben is excellent.

"There is no truth in any suggestions there was some kind of 'incident' before the match against Liverpool.

"Arjen is coming back to full fitness and is working very hard to achieve that.

"In the meantime he will continue to make a valuable contribution when he can as he did on Wednesday night."

Chelsea on Saturday take on Bolton hoping to claim the point which would bring them their first top flight title in 50 years.