The Blues boss admitted he faces a frustrating week with his squad decimated by injury and international call-ups.

Redknapp is desperate to work with his men to eradicate the defensive errors which led to their downfall at Stamford Bridge.

He said: 'It was a bad performance at Chelsea, but one bad day doesn't make us a bad team. We need a good response against United and have to come back strong.

'We'll try, but it won't be easy. I would rather the players weren't away all week on international duty.'

One player who isn't away with his country this week is Peter Crouch.

He was omitted from the England squad for tomorrow's clash with the Czech Republic.
Redknapp admitted he was surprised at the decision.

He said: 'It's disappointing that Crouchie isn't in the England squad.

'I was surprised, but there's not a lot I can do because I don't pick the squad.'
England boss Fabio Capello offered the striker words of encouragement, though.

'I'm happy for Crouch because now he can play more games,' he said. 'If a player plays only one game a month it's not enough. You lose the confidence. This is very important for everything.'

Meanwhile, Pompey have been linked with Ghana midfielder Stephen Appiah.
Appiah is hoping to become a free agent and is trying to negotiate his exit from Turkish side Fenerbahce.

And reports in France say Pompey have moved closer to a deal for Nadir Belhadj.

Belhadj is reported to have agreed a four-year-deal with the Blues for a fee eventually rising to £3m.

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