Mourinho undecided over Chelsea strikers

Jose Mourinho said today he was yet to decide whether Radamel Falcao or Loic Remy will start up front for Chelsea in their game at Newcastle.

Mourinho, who is without the suspended Diego Costa, said he will make a choice based on what he thinks the hosts’ line-up might be.

And the Blues boss indicated that whether Chancel Mbemba or Mike Williamson partners Fabricio Coloccini at centre-back for Newcastle might be a key factor in his decision.

Asked which of his strikers would lead the attack, Mourinho said: “I don’t know. I could tell you I know but I won’t tell you, but I don’t know.

“I have to keep analysing the opponent to try to know more about them; who is playing and not playing, who is playing with Coloccini – Mbemba or Williamson or another one – and I will try to know more before I make my decision.”

The Portuguese also insisted the fact that Remy will be returning to St James’ Park will not be a factor in the team selection.

Remy made 26 league appearances for the Magpies, scoring 14 goals, while on loan from QPR for the 2015-16 season.

“It’s not relevant,” said Mourinho, whose team this week reached the fourth round of the League Cup with a 4-1 win at Walsall, where Remy scored their second goal.

“I think Loic wants to play in every game and doesn’t want to play [more than usual] against Newcastle because he was at Newcastle.

“I don’t think he has more motivation to score against Newcastle than against Walsall. The motivation is to score all the time.”