Chelsea's Andriy Shevchenko

LONDON (Reuters):

Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko is to have a hernia operation today and will miss the FA Cup final against Manchester United later this month.

Surgery had originally been scheduled for the end of the season but Chelsea's medical department have decided to bring it forward, the club said on their official Web site (www.chelseafc.com) yesterday.

It completes a disappointing debut campaign in English soccer for the Ukraine international, with media reports suggesting he may leave the Londoners in the close season.

Shevchenko joined Chelsea from AC Milan for a fee of 30 million pounds ($59.9 million) last May but has struggled to recapture the dazzling form he showed during his seven years in Italy. The 30-year-old has often looked leaden-footed and off the pace during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Shevchenko has notched 14 goals for Chelsea, but only four have come in the Premier League.

Bright spot

One bright spot came in the 2-1 victory over Valencia in the Champions League quarter-final second leg when he scored a goal and played a pivotal role at the Mestalla Stadium.

Shevchenko's injury caused him to miss last Tuesday's Champions League semi-final defeat by Liverpool and the 1-1 league draw with Arsenal on Sunday.

His absence means Chelsea will rely heavily on his 31-goal strike partner Didier Drogba in the FA Cup final.

The final returns to a rebuilt Wembley on May 19 for the first time since Chelsea beat Aston Villa 1-0 with a Roberto Di Matteo goal in 2000.