Chelsea boss uncertain over Torres return

Chelsea have doubts about whether Fernando Torres will be fit to return straight after the international break.

The striker picked up a thigh injury in training on Monday, ruling him out of the 3-0 Champions League victory against Schalke.

He will also miss Saturday’s game at home to West Brom and manager Jose Mourinho fears Torres could also be unavailable for the derby at West Ham two weeks later.

Mourinho said: “We hope that he is back after the international games but of course there is no chance for this weekend.

“And he is still a doubt to be back after that. It is not the biggest one but it is two or three weeks for a muscular injury.”

Torres has been in excellent form but Chelsea comfortably managed without him against Schalke, with Samuel Eto’o netting twice and substitute Demba Ba scoring to complete a resounding win.

Chelsea’s other attacking players also impressed Mourinho, who left Juan Mata on the bench and dropped Eden Hazard after the Belgian failed to show up on time for a training session.

“Our three guys behind the striker – Andre Schurrle, Oscar and Willian – were very strong,” said Mourinho.

“They were strong when the team lost the ball, very strong recovering positions and when the team was winning the ball. They were attacking spaces with good pace.”

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