Senior Chelsea figures were stunned by Chelsea boss Avram Grant's team selection for their FA Cup elimination at Barnsley on Saturday.

The Times says neither Roman Abramovich, the Chelsea owner, nor Peter Kenyon, the chief executive, attended the match, preferring to watch it on television. It is thought that there is some disbelief over Grant's team selection in a competition that was seen as Chelsea's to lose by senior figures at the club.

Coming only a fortnight after the 2-1 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, Grant is under severe pressure and it has been made clear that Chelsea will have to win one of the two remaining prizes if his reign is not to come to an inglorious halt only eight months after succeeding José Mourinho. Grant's close relationship with Abramovich may result in him being moved to another role, but a new man is likely to be given the team selection duties.