Chelsea boss unfazed by Matic absence
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho insists he is unfazed by the prospect of facing Newcastle without midfield enforcer Nemanja Matic.
The Serbian, who has been outstanding in Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the season, is suspended for the game at St James’ Park – where Mourinho is yet to win in the league.
But the Premier League leaders have proved in recent weeks that they can more than cope without top scorer Diego Costa, and the Blues boss expects them to do the same in Matic’s absence.
It potentially opens the door for Ramires, who started in the recent win at Liverpool, or the more defensively-minded John Mikel Obi.
And Mourinho declared: “It’s no problem – Diego was also a big player for us.
“We trust other people. Forget Matic – he has a free weekend which he deserves very much and will come back stronger. We have other players and we trust them.”
Mourinho also confirmed that Costa, available again after a ban, will start against the Magpies.
Didier Drogba and former Newcastle man Loic Remy, who both scored against Tottenham in midweek, are therefore set to be on the bench.
Gary Cahill, who went off against Spurs after taking a knock to the head, has been passed fit.
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