English FA Premiership: Chelsea yesterday hit back at accusations that coach Jose Mourinho had a bust-up with winger Arjen Robben before last Wednesday night's Champions League semi-final against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

The club denied there is a problem between the pair after it was reported the player refused to start against their Premiership rivals in the first-leg clash, which finished goalless.

Robben is likely to be on the substitutes' bench again this evening against Bolton at the Reebok Stadium, as Chelsea seek the point which would bring them their first top-flight title in 50 years.

Reports claimed Robben flatly refused to start the game despite being cleared as fit by the club's own medical team.

The Dutch winger had been sidelined for a month with a bruised ankle but had made a successful comeback as a substitute in the victory over Fulham last Saturday.

However, 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.

Chelsea dispute the reported version of events which centre on Robben's reply to Mourinho.

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.

The side which eventually took to the pitch for the game was the same 11 which had lined up for their final training session.

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."

Mourinho is likely to be without hamstring injury victim Damien Duff for the clash against Bolton.

Duff has not fully recovered from his injury and Mourinho would prefer the Republic of Ireland international to be fit for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Liverpool at Anfield.

Chelsea are still without Paulo Ferreira (foot), Wayne Bridge (ankle), and Scott Parker (foot).

Petr Cech wants to follow the example set by Arsenal and England goalkeeper David Seaman in all but one area - he will not grow a pony-tail! Seaman made more than 550 appearances for the Gunners during a career spanning 12 years at Highbury and now Cech wants to stay for a similar period at Stamford Bridge.

Cech said: "Of course I would like to stay as long as I can in this team. It was always my dream to play in England. So I am very happy with my situation right now. I know I am still young and next year I am going to be better than I am now."