Chelsea have huge injury concerns for their trip to Everton as Jose Mourinho confirmed goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Oscar will miss the weekend clash against the Merseyside club.
The Belgium international picked up a knee injury during the training on Wednesday and has to go under the knife. The former Real Madrid manager confirmed the star keeper will be out of action for a while, but refused to reveal the length on the sidelines.
Mourinho admitted losing Courtois for the next few weeks will be a massive blow for the Premier League champions. The Blues boss is eagerly waiting from his medical to get specific details following the surgery.
Jose: 'Thibaut Courtois was injured in training, he needs surgery on his right knee and he will be out for quite a long time.' #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 11, 2015
“Courtois was injured in a training session with the goalkeepers. I cannot tell you much but I can tell you he needs surgery in his right knee and as a consequence he will be out for quite a long time. I cannot be more specific about the injury and about the time he will be out, but I know he will be out for some time,” Mourinho explained.
“I am waiting for Dr Biosca to be more specific after surgery. I think today we will be ready to give some more information. It’s a big blow but you will not see me speaking next week about Thibaut because I never do about an injured player.”
According to the Portuguese tactician, Courtois is best goalkeeper in the world and he will be replaced by summer signing Asmir Begovic in between the posts.
“It’s not easy to have the best goalkeeper in the world injured but it’s easy to have one of the best goalkeepers in the world to play, and we have Begovic to play and he’s very, very good. I’m very sad for Thibaut and for the team but we have a top goalkeeper and Begovic will be in goal,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mourinho also confirmed Brazil international Oscar will miss weekend’s trip to Merseyside. However, Chelsea manager confirmed the midfielder will be in contention for the next midweek Champions League clash.
“Jose says Oscar won’t be available tomorrow but is ‘almost there’ and could be in contention to feature next Wednesday,” Chelsea tweeted,
Jose says Oscar won't be available tomorrow but is 'almost there' and could be in contention to feature next Wednesday. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 11, 2015
Chelsea have struggled since the start of the season. After failing to land John Stones from the Toffees in the summer, the west London club will face Everton. The England international is likely to start for Roberto Martinez’s side and it should be seen if the centre-back and other defenders can restrict the Blues from scoring.
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