JOSE MOURINHO HAS threatened to play a “weakened” side of reserves and kids in Sunday’s Premier League title showdown against Liverpool.
Defeat at Anfield would mathematically end Chelsea’s title chances but faced with a mounting list of injuries and suspensions, Mourinho hinted that he will prioritise the Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.
Once he picks from his 25-man league squad, Chelsea will be playing within the FA rules.
At the very least Mourinho should select Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel, both of whom are suspended for Wednesday’s European clash, as well as Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah who are ineligible.
Mark Schwarzer, 41, appears to be the preferred deputy following keeper Petr Cech’s season-ending shoulder injury while Eden Hazard could return from the calf injury that ruled him out after he travelled to Madrid.
There is also a question mark over Samuel Eto’o who missed the midweek game with a “minor knee irritation.”
Here are the options available to Mourinho this weekend:
Strongest available option
SchwarzerAzpilicueta–Ivanovic–Cahill–Cole
Matic–Luiz
Willian–Oscar–Hazard (if fit)
Torres
Likely Anfield XI
SchwarzerAzpilicueta–Ivanovic–Cahill–Cole
Mikel–Lampard–Matic
Salah–Schurrle
Ba
Tony Cascarino’s nightmare option
HilarioKalas–Matic–Christensen–Ake
Mikel–Lampard–van Ginkel
Salah–Schurrle
Ba