In-form Chelsea Dec-imated

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The Chelsea player is likely to be out for the rest of the season after suffering a recurrence of the hamstring injury that has plagued him for the last few months. Deco was substituted in the first half of Sunday's 1-0 win over Manchester City and Hiddink suggested it will be difficult for him to return before the summer.

"He was fit and worked hard, but after 20 or 25 minutes he had this problem again, so he will be out again for a while," said Hiddink.

"I think Deco will not be recovered very shortly," he added. "He'll have to be very fit to come back this season. I have my doubts to be honest, but let's see what happens."

Hiddink was, meanwhile, looking forward to an exciting title run-in after the Blues recorded their fourth straight league win. The Dutchman has yet to taste defeat since agreeing to become the club's interim coach until the end of the season.

Chelsea ensured they kept up the pressure on leaders United thanks to Michael Essien's first-half winner which put them back into second place, ahead of Liverpool on goal difference, and just four points behind United.

Hiddink is still extremely wary of United's game in hand but was boosted by Liverpool's 4-1 demolition job on Sir Alex Ferguson's side at Old Trafford.

"If it was just four points it would be very close, but they have that game in hand," he said. "But it's clear that after Saturday's unexpected result that the tension has come back in the league.

"It's a boost. But if we want to track them, we have to keep on winning. That'll give tension to the end of the season, which is good for everyone.

"I don't know what Manchester United's reaction will be. When you are in the driver's seat and someone else is coming, you can get a little bit nervous. It is a little bit open now."