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Richard Wright
Nightmare: Richard Wright was injured before the match during his last visit to Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup

Wright hoping he clears the first hurdle on his return to the Bridge

Simon Johnson
23 Jan 2009


Ipswich keeper Richard Wright is a worried man. The cause for his concern is not how to prevent Chelsea's Didier Drogba or Frank Lampard from knocking his club out of the FA Cup tomorrow - it is making sure he avoids any obstacles during the warm-up.

Wright is still haunted by his last visit to Stamford Bridge in the competition three years ago when he sustained an ankle ligament injury after falling over a sign that read 'Area not in use - please use temporary goalmouth'.

The England international was ruled out of the FA Cup Fourth Round replay before a ball was kicked and Chelsea went on to win 4-1 while he was getting treatment in the dressing room - and Wright is determined history does not repeat itself

He said: "I will be keeping an eye out for anything around the goal-mouth this time -I have been ever since that incident.

"I never get a chance to forget about it because I still get stick for it. It was just one of those things - a freak accident.

"I'm looking forward to going back to Chelsea and having a good warm-up this time, with no injuries."

The 31-year-old has not enjoyed much success against Chelsea in his career.

He has not been on the winning side in seven attempts and suffered the frustration of watching Arsenal's FA Cup Final victory against the blues in 2002 from the bench.

Wright had played a key role in getting Arsenal to the final only for manager Arsene Wenger to recall first choice David Seaman at the Millenium Stadium.

He added: "I have a lot of pride in my winners' medal, but there was obviously a lot of disappointment about not playing the final.

"Obviously it looks like I haven't had much luck against Chelsea, but I won't be going into the game worried about records or anything like that.

"I am looking forward to it - it's a big chance for us to prove ourselves against one of the best teams in Europe. We are aware that Southend and Burnley have got good results against them in the cups this year, so we could too."

Chelsea captain John Terry is doubtful with a back problem, Joe Cole is out for the season with a knee injury and John Obi Mikel is suspended. But Deco may return after a calf strain, while manager Luiz Felipe Scolari is considering recalling Drogba to the squad after leaving him out of the last two games.

For the visitors, full-back David Wright is expected to be fit to return after hamstring problem.

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