Cech and Courtois are both kept guessing

Jose Mourinho says keepers Petr Cech and Thibaut Courtois still do not know which of them will be selected for Monday’s Premier League opener at Burnley.

Cech, who has been at the club for 10 years, was in excellent form before suffering a shoulder injury in April, which he has now fully recovered from.

Courtois, meanwhile, is back after impressing on loan at Atletico Madrid and is keen to establish himself as the Blues’ number one.

The Belgian, 22, has been widely tipped to oust Cech, but boss Mourinho insists they have not been told who will be in goal at Turf Moor.

Courtois is looking to establish himself at Stamford Bridge
Courtois is looking to establish himself at Stamford Bridge

He said: “They don’t know. The squad doesn’t know and the keepers don’t know.

“What I can say is that in my opinion Chelsea has two of the best three keepers in the world and I think that is something fantastic for me.

“Is it a problem for me? A great problem. They’re both fantastic keepers and to have Petr and Courtois is a good problem. I think it is a problem every manager would like to have.

“One of those players will be on the bench and that is a difficult situation for them. But it is a good situation for Chelsea Football Club and for me it is a very safe and comfortable position.”

There has been speculation that Cech could move on before this month’s transfer deadline if he loses his first-team place.

Jose Mourinho of Chelsea
Mourinho has been tipped by many to select Courtois this season

A number of clubs have been linked with the 32-year-old but Mourinho is adamant that no offers have been received.

“I don’t want to think about it. There is no offer and no possibility,” said Mourinho.

“I told them as a group that I am happy to have every one of the players in my squad.

”At this moment I am not waiting for anything. It is not good to analyse something that is not on the table.”

But he admitted: “During the season if one is definitely my first choice then I have to stimulate and support the other one.

“I cannot have one of these great keepers waiting on the bench for three or four months.”

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