Chelsea Team News Update: Mourinho Gives Latest On Cole, Eto’o & Luiz

Chelsea take on Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon looking to close the gap at the top of the Premier League.

The Blues head into the game sitting in third place but could find themselves seven points behind leaders Arsenal by the time they kick-off, so victory against the high-flying Saints is vital to keep in touch.

Ahead of the game, boss Jose Mourinho has been speaking at his weekly press conference and gave reporters today a team news and injury update including the latest on Samuel Eto’o, David Luiz and Ashley Cole.

Defender Luiz missed the midweek defeat to Basel with a knee injury picked up against West Ham and although he’s returned to training with the squad on Friday, this weekend is likely to come too soon for him to make a comeback.

Eto’o was forced off against the Swiss champions on Tuesday night and Mourinho has revealed the striker has suffered a grade one muscle injury and is set to be out for around two weeks.

Here’s what the Chelsea boss told reporters today:

“David trained today with the team for the first time but it was the first time and doesn’t look as if he’s in condition to be back for this weekend.

“Eto’o is out but it’s a grade one muscular injury – we think two weeks. I’m throwing a number – it will not be a month. 10 days, 15 days, 17 days. Around two weeks.”

Ashley Cole has been left out in recent weeks as he continues to struggle with a rib injury, with Cesar Azpilicueta preferred at left-back, but Mourinho has praised the defenders attitude and confirmed he’ll be back in the first team over the next few games.

“He [Cole] will [play],” he added. “Lots of matches now. It’s time for the squad.

“Now it’s time for everybody to feel they have a chance. We play Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday. Southampton, Sunderland and Stoke.

“So the SSS week. Ash will play for sure and will have the chance to prove it’s fine.

“His attitude is phenomenal. The same attitude as when he trained with me for the first time.

“He has a fantastic attitude. He went through a difficult period and Azpilicueta is playing fantastic. Ashley’s attitude is an example.”

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