Relief for Chelsea fans as Mourinho hints at playing Spanish wizard

Relief could be around the corner for Juan Mata

Jose Mourinho has hinted that a recall may be on the cards for Juan Mata after Chelsea’s tired-looking defeat to Basel in the Champions League, The Metro report.

Despite the defeat, Chelsea still advanced to the knockout stages but Mourinho admitted his side looked tired, especially from his attacking players, signalling a possible opportunity for Mata.

The Spaniard has struggled to claim a place in Mourinho’s side due to his preference to Oscar who has been fantastic.

Mata was an unused substitute in Chelsea’s past two matches but it now looks like he could reclaim a place in the starting 11.

“I got signs of fatigue and players having trouble playing two consecutive matches in three days. That will push me for sure to make different decisions. That’s obvious,” said the Blues boss.

“In some positions we have that situation resolved in a very easy way, because we have lots of players to play the attacking positions behind the strikers to try to give the team the sharpness it needs to win every game.

“We will make decisions but it’s not a question of punishment; it’s a question of using the squad and the options we have.”

Mata has scored just one goal this season, in a 2-0 Carling Cup win at the Emirates.

Juan Mata has created 15 chances, getting one assist.