The Belgian shot-stopper will return to the starting line-up according to Chelsea FC manager Jos Mourinho, who kept his cards close to his chest regarding the readiness of new signings Abdul Baba Rahman and Pedro Rodr guez
Thibaut Courtois is a confirmed starter for Chelsea FC ahead of a tricky game at the Hawthorns against West Bromwich Albion, led by Tony Pulis – a manager that Jos Mourinho is yet to get the better of in two attempts.
The Blues have been busy in the week following the humiliating defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad last Sunday, confirming the arrivals of Abdul Baba Rahman and Pedro from Augsburg and Barcelona respectively. Chelsea also confirmed the capture of Brazilian teenager Kenedy last night. In theory, the three should be ready for Sunday’s game, but Mourinho refused to give anything away regarding the availability of his new players.
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Oscar and Victor Moses will miss the game due to injury
Two players Chelsea FC will definitely be without are Brazilian Oscar and Nigerian international Victor Moses, both of whom are still recovering from minor injuries picked up in training. Speaking to the press on Friday, Mourinho confirmed the pair will miss the game at the Hawthorns, whilst also confirming that no.1 goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will return in goal for the Blues.
“Moses is still injured and Oscar is still injured,” the 52-year-old is quoted as saying by the Chelsea FC official website. “Ia m so happy with Begovi a s performance (at Manchester City), he showed what we have, but we’ll go back to Courtois.”
Thanks for all of your support and concern, I’m having treatment on a small injury but hopefully will be back very soon! #CFC
a Victor Moses (@VictorMoses) August 18, 2015
We have today completed the signing of Kenedy from Fluminense… http://t.co/dD5syGT87W #CFC pic.twitter.com/yyYWr7e55m a Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 22, 2015
The Chelsea FC manager was coy when asked about the availability of his new signings. Pedro, in particular, could well go straight into the first team given Oscar’s injury, but doubts remain about his fitness given Barcelona are a couple of weeks behind the English schedule as the Spanish season kicks off this weekend.
Addressing the question about his new players, Mourinho simply said: “I dona t know if the new players are available for Sunday yet.”
Terry likely to make a return to the starting line-up
Despite being substituted at half-time against Manchester City for tactical reasons, Chelsea FC captain John Terry is expected to make a return to the Blues’ starting line-up for the clash against West Brom.
Asked whether the Englishman would start, Mourinho addressed his press conference, saying (via BBC Sport): “Maybe. Normally he’s in the team, normally he plays. So why not?” The Portuguese also played down the half-time substitution at the Etihad, insisting that his captain was not “jumping or dancing” in the dressing room because of it.
“As I told at the Man City stadium after the game, I was not expecting John or one other player I substituted to be jumping or dancing in the dressing room. He behaved professionally and the next day in training, doing what he does with me since 2004, which is to train always top.”