Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish believes the fighting spirit of skipper Stiliyan `Stan' Petrov will help him in his battle to overcome acute leukaemia.

The condition was diagnosed following tests after Bulgaria international Petrov developed a fever following last Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Arsenal.

Messages of support for the former Celtic player, who was due to spend on Friday night in a London hospital, have flooded in since the news was confirmed in a Villa statement.

McLeish said: "It's that old perspective cliche, but it's so true, and everybody here is behind Stan and a lot of the guys, everybody, will be shocked by the news.

"But he's a captain, he's a leader, he's a defiant guy and he's fought many battles on the pitch and I'm sure this is another one he'll win.

"We certainly think it's in the early stages and Stan will get the best medical attention possible.

"I spoke to him and he was typical Stan, defiant, but I think obviously he's concerned about how its affected his loved ones.''

McLeish was unsure whether Petrov would be able to attend the home clash with Chelsea.

He added: "He's away with the doc and I'm not sure of the schedule. He's away to see another top specialist as we speak and I guess we'll know more [on Saturday].

"I'm sure Stan will be rooting for the lads and sending some of the vibes for the boys to be inspirational in this game against Chelsea.

"Will they want to win it for Stan? I think so. I know some of the players are already texting each other and saying that kind of thing to each other.''

A section of Villa fans have called off a planned protest before the game.

McLeish said: "I would like to think the club and fans will be united. I'm sure the fans will be galvanised with their support of Stan.''

Villa confirmed the news of Petrov's condition in a statement which read: "We expect to learn more about Stiliyan's situation in due course and we have moved quickly to support him and his family.

" During this time we ask that Stiliyan's privacy is placed ahead of all inquiries and trust that we will share information as we receive it.

"Stiliyan is cherished by many and he will get from Villa every ounce of love and support that we have to help bring this to a positive conclusion.''

Chelsea's interim manager Roberto Di Matteo is delighted by the rejuvenation of a "happy'' Fernando Torres.

Torres has performed with greater conviction since Di Matteo replaced Andre Villas-Boas at the start of the month.

Although he remains far from prolific in goalscoring terms - he has been on target only six times in 37 appearances this season - his recent contribution to the team has been significant.

On Tuesday night it was his burst of pace and cross that set up Salomon Kalou's late winner in the 1-0 Champions League victory over Benfica.

Di Matteo insists he has not given Torres any special attention, even though the 28-year-old Spaniard appears more confident under his guidance.

"We're just happy that Fernando's performing well for us. He's a very good player and a great, great team player,'' he said.

"I've been trying to speak to all my players and give them the confidence to play.

"Fernando seems to have been performing well. He's a happy player at the moment, but all players need particular attention.''

Chelsea have been lifted by their success at Benfica, a result that has enabled them to place one foot in the Champions League semi-finals.

But their cup form under Di Matteo - four wins in as many games - contrasts with their difficulties in the Barclays Premier League which has seen them triumph just once in three outings.

They sit five points adrift of the Champions League places and Di Matteo accepts it is time to climb the table - starting with their clash with Aston Villa.

"We need to win points in the Premier League. We have played Stoke, City and Spurs,'' he said.

"It's difficult against Stoke. They drew at White Hart Lane and at Manchester City, so we know how strong they are.

"We're in good form and shape, though. The spirit's good and we'll try to take that into the next game.

"When you win, the confidence flows into the players and team. We'll try and take that into the next game.''

Midfielder Raul Meireles is Chelsea's only doubt after he sustained a knee injury against Benfica.

Branislav Ivanovic and Ramires have been passed fit after overcoming minor knocks.



Match

viva chelsea all d way. I know that 2day u will make me proud. Petrov i wish u speedy recovery, but sorry u will lose dis match by 2 goal 2 notin, am out.

Another defeat for this useless club called chealsea

***opens the door***
reads the op's post and comments; drogba and juju charms at it again. Hmm be warned all chelsea opponents, we have a strong dibia in the house.
***shuts the door and runs as fast as possible***

Get well soon Petrov. . . Chelsea victory tho'

2-1to aston villa

we are winning this

awww Petrov

game on!

gooaaal!!!!Daniel Sturridge scored!

na real wa. Mr Torres. 2 chances 2 flops.
DS to the rescue. GOAL!

Dem take wood-work do mata ni??

Mynd_44: Another defeat for this useless club called chealsea

If your spelling had been impeccable I may have been swayed to follow opinion.

Branislav on point.

Is that Ivanovic handling the ball?

ivanovic makes it 2

Weldone Ivanovic! Another goal for me

Ivanovic!!!
KTBFFH!!!

Moderator! Abegi change d score line to 2:0 na?

City sef dey fall hand o. . .Losing to Sunderland 1-3

Let's go there !

damn it. 1 against chelsea. now 1-2, 15mins remaining

damn it. chelsea is bleeped. 2 goals in three mins against them.

Now 2-2

Why na? Oh oo!

goal villa

Some managers dont know when to make a subtitution

Chelsea asleep?

2 -2

~Bluetooth:


Let's go there !

Go where bros?

2-3. Up Chelsea.

Somebody say Firenovic!

Goal! Ivanovic again

Chelsea is sleeping oo. they need to wake up