SHANE Long is facing a race against the clock to be fit to play against Chelsea.

Long, 32, picked up the knock during the 3-1 win at Villa Park on Saturday and was unable to train today.

And speaking ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Stamford Bridge, manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “I have one big issue with Shane Long because he slipped in the last game and has a little bit of a knee injury.

“He couldn’t train today, not definitely [out], but it doesn’t look very good.

“It’s still too early for Moussa to play against Chelsea. Yan Valery is still out.”

Elsewhere, Hasenhuttl revealed that there was some good news, including the potential for a Sofiane Boufal return.

Boufal has been struggling with a toe injury after stubbing it walking through his kitchen at home.

Hasenhuttl added: “Kevin [Danso] was ill and trained today with the first team.

“The good thing is that Pierre had a hit on his knee, but he recovered very well and was able to train today.

 “Sofiane is better. He could train today without an injection, so he is also an option for the weekend.

“I have a few alternatives and it’s all about who I will rest immediately and how I balance both games.”