Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho faces a conundrum ahead of this Sunday's clash against Liverpool. A scoreless draw against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal left the Portuguese scrambling for bodies to field. One by one—whether due to injury or suspension—the options for Mourinho to turn to faded away.
Watch Chelsea Goalkeeper Petr Cech Dislocate Shoulder
Yellow card accumulation will force midfielders Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel to miss the return leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. An injury to John Terry has ended the captain's season, pending a trip to the cup final. Joining him is goalkeeper Petr Cech (h/t to the Daily Mail). "Cech's season is over. We will have to reach the final for John to play," Mourinho said.
"This result is everything. We had problems before the game, we had problems during the game," he added.
"We lost four during the game, but we will fight."
Chelsea will need a full range of fisticuffs if they're to defeat the league leaders, Liverpool, on Sunday. Mourinho, however, is willing to fight with inexperience instead (h/t to Sky Sports). "I have to listen to the club. I think the fact that the match is on Sunday puts the problem not in my hands."
"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."
Following that tactic would put Liverpool in a prime position to capture an all-important three points, pinning them closer to their first league title in 24 years and doing Manchester City no favors in the process.
That, however, appears to be of no concern for a manager looking to reach his first Champions League final since 2010.
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