Middlesbrough 0 - 2 Chelsea

	Middlesbrough's Jonathan Greening shoots and scores a disallowed goal against Chelsea (MatthewShort/Allsport)

The image suffered at the Riverside yesterday as Hasselbaink did not even survive Chelsea's warm-up routine.

In a dressing room dominated by thoughts of next Saturday's FA Cup Final, a tight calf transformed the bold striker into a wounded warrior. Hasselbaink's name, with the approval of referee Barry Knight, was swiftly removed from an already tendered team sheet.

Consolation for manager Claudio Ranieri came in the shape of the most prolific scorer at Stamford Bridge - 18-year-old Carlton Cole. He boasts an impressive record of 37 goals in youth and reserve-team football this season.

Only 22 days ago, Cole was sent from the bench for his Premiership debut against Everton and left the match with a promise: 'I was nervous out there, but now I know what it's about - and I'll score the next time I play.'

Youthful fantasy was turned into hard fact in the 38th minute yesterday when Cole rose above Middlesbrough's defence and headed home Manu Petit's free kick. Cole said: 'Now I hope to be involved at Cardiff next weekend. You never know what the situation will be with injuries. I enjoyed this game. Once I got the nod I just got on with it.'

Ranieri was delighted with Cole's contribution but said: 'There is no danger Hasselbaink will miss the Cup Final.

'He just felt his calf was tight and I thought it better to save him. I took the same view with Eidur Gudjohnsen.

'Instead I preferred to have a young lion in Cole out there. He scored his goal, gained his confidence and looked very good.

'Really he deserves to be on the bench for the Final but I don't know whether I can make a place for him.'

Boudewijn Zenden scored Chelsea's second in the 44th minute, after an unfortunate ricochet off Colin Cooper.