Chelsea Confirm Double Injury Blow As Jose Hints At Weakened Side vs Liverpool

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has confirmed Petr Cech and John Terry wont play in the league again this season and he’s keen on fielding a weakened team away at Liverpool on Sunday, according to the Mirror.

Cech was forced off less than 20 minutes in to Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi final on Tuesday night after falling awkwardly on his shoulder following a challenge from Raul Garcia on the goal-line.

Mark Schwarzer replaced the Czech international and managed to perform well to keep Atletico at bay and it seems the 41-year-old is now set for an extended spell between the sticks with Mourinho telling reporters Cech won’t play again this season.

Terry was also substituted late on with a foot injury after Diego Costa appeared to tread on the skippers foot as they jostled for a corner kick, and Jose also confirmed the defender won’t play again this season unless the club reach the final of the Champions League.

The Blues boss said:

“Petr Cech’s season over. Don’t ask me technically, but season over.

“And John – we have to play the final for him to play with us.” Mourinho is quoted as saying by the Mirror.

The news will come as a major blow to Chelsea as they not only prepare to welcome Atletico to Stamford Bridge for next weeks second leg, but they will now also be without two of their most influential players ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League title clash with Liverpool.

With the Blues five points behind the Merseysiders and well positioned to progress to the final in Europe, Mourinho has all-but given up any hopes of challenging for the title after admitting he would like to field a weakened team against Liverpool as the Champions League is now his priority, but confirmed he’ll have to speak with the clubs hierarchy before making a final decision.

“I can’t decide by myself,”

“I think that’s a decision I have to listen the club. I’m just a piece, I’m just the manager and no more than that.

“I have to listen to the club. I think the fact that the match is on Sunday I think puts the problem not in my hands.

“We represent English football and we are the only English team that is European competition. Spain has four and gave them all the conditions to try to have success.

“I know what I would do, but I’m not the club. I have to speak with the club.

“I would play with the players that are not going to play Wednesday.” Mourinho is quoted as saying by the Mirror.

Obviously the news of Cech and Terry missing out will come as a major boost to Liverpool as they could virtually seal their first Premier League title with a win on Sunday and their task would be made even easier if Mourinho follows through with his threat to play a weakened team.

Eden Hazard is highly unlikely to feature at Anfield after missing last nights game with an on-going calf injury, but two players who should play are Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel as they are suspended for Wednesday’s return leg with Atletico after picking up yellow cards last night.

Should Chelsea play a weakened team on Sunday? Or is this just mind games from Mourinho?