Depressed Bosnich checks in to clinic

Mark Bosnich, the Chelsea goalkeeper embroiled in allegations of drug use, is said to be suffering from severe clinical depression and has been admitted to a depression unit.

The Australian was linked with reports at the weekend that a Premiership player had posted a positive A test for cocaine and the 30-year-old's management company, SEM, issued a statement yesterday which read: "Mark Bosnich has been diagnosed as suffering from severe clinical depression. On medical advice he was admitted to a depression unit of a medical facility to obtain treatment for that depression."

The statement continued: "Mark thanks the press for their support at this difficult time and asks in the circumstances that further information as to his treatment and whereabouts should remain private."

The Football Association has refused to confirm or deny whether a test has been carried out on Bosnich, but if it is proved then the goalkeeper faces a lengthy ban. It was understood that Chelsea were only informed of the positive test at the end of last week and that a B sample has yet to be analysed. If the B sample confirms the finding for cocaine then the FA can order a suspension and rehabilitation. Chelsea may then consider terminating his contract.

Bosnich, paid around £40,000 a week, has not played a competitive first-team match for almost a year since injuring his thigh. He was rated as one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League, making his name at Aston Villa before joining Manchester United on a lucrative free transfer in June 1999.

However, his career at Old Trafford stalled and he was allowed to leave at the start of 2001 and signed for Chelsea, but he has found times at Stamford Bridge just as troubled.

Bosnich has never been far from controversy and was arrested after an incident at nightclub on the eve of his wedding three years ago. However, the Australian now faces a battle much harder than simply finding a way back into a football team.