Chelsea's Oscar explains why didn't play against Liverpool and Atletico

Oscar

Chelsea midfielder Oscar has admitted that he is currently playing through the pain barrier in a bid to be available for the club’s end of season run in and is worried that the hip injury that has restricted his recent appearances will also lead him to miss this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

Oscar has been named on the bench in recent weeks, but admitted that he has been struggling for fitness and is only on the bench as a last resort.

“I’m not playing because I felt a pain due to an injury to my hip. So, in the last game against Liverpool, I was not called on,” he told reporters.

“I warmed up [against Atletico] but [Jose] Mourinho knew that I could hardly play. Maybe I will not play the next game because I could suffer a more serious injury to my hip and he knows it.”

Oscar, whose form has slumped in the second half of the season following an explosive opening to the campaign, continued by revealing his fear that the injury will keep him out of the upcoming World Cup, lamenting the balance between getting fit and being involved in the Premier League title run in.

The Brazilian has 29 caps for his country, but Oscar faces competition from Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho, his own teammates Willian and Ramires and numerous other playmakers if he is to make his national side’s starting eleven this summer.

“We’re aiming to try and play me in the final clash of the Premier League but I have to take care for the World Cup.

“We still have two very important games in the Premier League because Chelsea can still be champions but it is important I rest because the World Cup is here.”

Oscar has created 46 chances for Chelsea this season but has just two assists, the same as both Juan Mata and Ashley Cole.