Mourinho could pick Hilario as a striker at Wembley
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.
