Shrewsbury vs Chelsea: Jose Mourinho claims Blues are 'in trouble' ahead of Capital One Cup match
The Premier League leaders take on the League Two side for a place in the Capital One Cup quarter-finals
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jose Mourinho has bemoaned a lack of playing resources at his disposal as he takes his Chelsea side to face Shrewsbury Town in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night.
“We are in trouble,” Mourinho said of facing the League Two side, “because we have so many injured players. It is even more difficult for us to go. We have to go. We now have a difficult match. Because they are doing very well in their league and doing very well against superior teams in the Capital One Cup. It’s a big day for them. We know it will be difficult for us.”
Shrewsbury, fourth in League Two, have knocked out Blackpool, Leicester City and Norwich City to earn this fourth-round tie.
“Shrewsbury in the cup is not a friendly,” Mourinho added. “We have to play matches with respect and the best way to respect Shrewsbury is to go there with a good team, not to go there with a weak team and lose. It is to go there with a good team – if they win, they win, but they win against a good team.
“We are in a difficult situation but when you look at the players who didn’t play [on Sunday against Manchester United], Schürrle, Salah, Zouma, Ake, Mikel, these boys are obviously going to have to play.”
Diego Costa will not be available but should be back in contention for Saturday’s home match against Queen’s Park Rangers.
The Chelsea captain, John Terry, claimed on Monday he and fellow defender Branislav Ivanovic had been “double headlocked at every corner” during the league leaders’ 1-1 draw at United.
Chelsea were denied victory by Robin van Persie’s late goal, which came after Ivanovic had been sent off. But Terry wrote on Instagram: “It shows how well we are playing when you come away from Old Trafford disappointed with 1 point. #JtandIVAgotdoubleheadlockedfromeverycorner.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments