Shevchenko needs groin operation at end of season

LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko will need surgery on his groin at the end of the season.

However, the Premier League champions said on their official Web site (www.chelseafc.co.uk) on Thursday that they were hopeful the Ukraine international would be available for their remaining four matches.

Chelsea play Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton in the league, and face another meeting with United in the FA Cup final at the new Wembley on May 19.

Shevchenko's groin injury forced him to miss Tuesday's Champions League semi-final defeat at Liverpool.