Jose Mourinho Says He Could Pick Goalkeeper Hilario As a Striker for the Fa Cup Final
Soccer: Jose Mourinho says he only has 15 fit players for the FA Cup final and may have to pick goalkeeper Hilario as a substitute striker.
Jose Mourinho claims Chelsea's injury problems are so bad he will consider picking goalkeeper Hilario as a substitute striker for the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Mourinho could have only 15 senior players fit for the clash against Manchester United at the new Wembley Stadium, with John Obi Mikel expected to miss the showpiece after limping off against Everton on Sunday.
Andriy Shevchenko, Michael Ballack, Ricardo Carvalho and Arjen Robben are undergoing treatment, while Ashley Cole is facing a race against time to be fit, meaning Mourinho could have goalkeepers Hilario and Carlo Cudicini on the bench.
"If Ashley is ready we have 15 players for the final," Mourinho said. "I will have to choose between Hilario because he is not bad playing forward, or I'll bring one of the kids to make 16."
Michael Essien and Claude Makelele were rested against Everton on the final day of the Premiership season, with Mourinho using youngsters Sam Hutchinson, Ben Sahar and Nuno Morais off the bench.
Mikel picked up a muscle injury in the 1-1 draw and limped off with 16 minutes remaining, making him a doubt for the United clash. "We will see but I think he is out of the game," said Mourinho.
Mourinho could have only 15 senior players fit for the clash against Manchester United at the new Wembley Stadium, with John Obi Mikel expected to miss the showpiece after limping off against Everton on Sunday.
Andriy Shevchenko, Michael Ballack, Ricardo Carvalho and Arjen Robben are undergoing treatment, while Ashley Cole is facing a race against time to be fit, meaning Mourinho could have goalkeepers Hilario and Carlo Cudicini on the bench.
"If Ashley is ready we have 15 players for the final," Mourinho said. "I will have to choose between Hilario because he is not bad playing forward, or I'll bring one of the kids to make 16."
Michael Essien and Claude Makelele were rested against Everton on the final day of the Premiership season, with Mourinho using youngsters Sam Hutchinson, Ben Sahar and Nuno Morais off the bench.
Mikel picked up a muscle injury in the 1-1 draw and limped off with 16 minutes remaining, making him a doubt for the United clash. "We will see but I think he is out of the game," said Mourinho.
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