Chelsea trio could be dropped by Mourinho – report

Chelsea’s worst start to a top-flight season since 1988 has led to speculation about how manager Jose Mourinho – and club owner Roman Abramovich – might respond.

The Times reports that Mourinho has Abramovich’s support and plans to drop a number of players for Wednesday’s Champions League game against Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Branislav Ivanovic, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas are the players most under threat, it is suggested.

Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph reports that Chelsea have not held any crisis meeting but that the mood around the club is sombre and that Mourinho has banned all banter until results improve.

The Telegraph also suggest changes are likely to be made and that Oscar is expected to return to the starting line-up on Wednesday with Willian, Radamel Falcao and Loïc Rémy also in possibly in line for a chance to impress.

The Daily Mail say Chelsea players fear their chance of retaining the Premier League title has already been blown now they are 11 points adrift of leaders Manchester City after just five games.

Dressing-room sources are said to have indicated that some members of the squad have admitted the gap could be too big to close, particularly with key members of the team struggling for form.