The League title’s now beyond us, says Guus Hiddink

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The goalless draw with FA Cup Final opponents Everton at Stamford Bridge left Hiddink's team trailing Manchester United — who beat Portsmouth 2-0 last night — by six points, having also played a game more than the champions.

Hiddink claimed: "We said before the match that we could not drop any more points and we have.
"Mathematically, we're still in the title race but we have to be honest and focus now on the Champions League and the FA Cup."

The Dutchman's European chances in the semi-final with Barcelona have been harmed by the news that Ricardo Carvalho looks almost certain to miss the match.

The defender had been earmarked to play at left-back and mark Lionel Messi in the absence of the suspended Ashley Cole. But Carvalho suffered a hamstring injury while playing for the reserves on Monday night and is extremely unlikely to play in Tuesday's first leg at the Nou Camp.

Hiddink said: "Carvalho played for 45 minutes and suffered another little problem in his hamstring. So he is not available for the upcoming week. I don't think he will be there against Barcelona.

"Is it a blow? Yes. We have the problem with Ashley Cole as well. I could cry but I like to think when there is a disadvantage, how can I get an advantage out of that. Regarding the
left-back spot against Barcelona, there are some candidates but we have the time to practise. I have options in my mind."

With Carvalho sidelined, Hiddink will be keeping his fingers crossed that Jose Bosingwa can recover in time. The full-back is also out with hamstring trouble but was due to return to full training before Saturday's match at West Ham.

Paulo Ferreira is out for the rest of the season, so Hiddink could decide to gamble on the 21-year-old Michael Mancienne.