Oscar, Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao were not even included in Chelsea’s travelling party for the Champions League tie at Porto on Tuesday, while Eden Hazard and Nemanja Matic only saw action as second-half substitutes. John Terry was again unused completely.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Mourinho’s reservations over Oscar have confused some of the Brazilian’s team-mates, who believe the 24-year-old is vital to the side playing cohesively. Both he and Remy are said to be resigned to the fact that their futures at Stamford Bridge are uncertain with the Portuguese in charge.
Matic, Hazard and Falcao are expected to start against Southampton on Saturday, but it remains to be seen whether Mourinho will recall Terry, who was serenaded with a chorus of “We want our captain back” by the travelling Chelsea fans at Porto in midweek.
The 34-year-old’s continued absence from the starting line-up has ‘surprised senior squad members’, according to The Guardian, while the Telegraph describes it as ‘hard to fathom’ that Branislav Ivanovic continues to be picked despite several poor performances as other players are punished by Mourinho.
Former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy said: “If you’re going to drop John Terry, that’s the manager’s decision, and whether you agree or disagree you have to go with that.
“But to give the armband to Ivanovic, who is having a really tough time at the moment and has arguably been Chelsea’s worst player this season, what does that say to the best defender Chelsea had last season in John Terry?
“I think Mourinho is sending out a message. John Terry hasn’t played badly this season and I think he’s been really unfairly treated. I don’t think he’s played badly enough for him to be on the bench.”
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