Chelsea defender Alex has confirmed he is delaying surgery to help the club.
Alex postponed surgery in order to start Saturday's Barclays Premier League match against Birmingham.
"I need surgery, and maybe I will go to Brazil and do the operation on Thursday." said Alex.
"Arthroscopic surgery is easy to do. We have too many players injured, so I said to the coach I can play (against Birmingham). I am not 100% fit.
"I have to say 'thank you' to the medical staff, they always help me so much and call me, give me treatment or help me in the gym and swimming pool, and it helps so much."
