Jose’s message for Chelsea fringe players

Jose Mourinho has told Chelsea’s fringe players they are likely to play a key role during a vital period in the season.

Eyebrows have been raised at Juan Mata’s struggle to hold down a first-team place under Mourinho and a number of other players have had to bide their time.

But with a hectic December approaching and the Christmas period expected to be a crucial time for the title-chasing sides, Mourinho expects to make full use of his squad.

“This is a period I like and the squad can play a role, not just the team,” said the Blues boss.

“With the Christmas period the accumulation of matches is so high. You don’t do it as a normal team, you do it as a special group with a special mentality.

“We have nine matches in December. I keep repeating to the players that it is the moment when everybody has the chance to feel important and show what they can do – even people who don’t play a lot.”

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League match against Basel, Mourinho confirmed that Fernando Torres is available to face the Swiss team.

Torres picked up a thigh injury in training prior to the recent international break and sat out the weekend win at West Ham.

“He was almost ready to play against West Ham but we decided not to take the risk,” Mourinho explained.

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