Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho does not expect striker Loic Remy to be fit for Sunday’s trip to Manchester United in the Premier League.
Remy suffered a “muscular injury” after scoring the opener in the Blues’ 6-0 Champions League win against Maribor at Stamford Bridge.
Nine-goal striker Diego Costa has a hamstring injury, leaving Didier Drogba as Chelsea’s only fit senior striker.
“I’m not worried. We don’t cry on injuries,” said Mourinho.
“When a player is injured, play another one.
“It’s our philosophy, we don’t cry. We just think one injury means an opportunity for somebody else.
“We will prepare for the game [against Manchester United] Thursday, Friday, Saturday to try to be at our best possible level against an opponent which we respect very, very much.”
Drogba, 36, scored his first goal since rejoining Chelsea against Maribor on Tuesday, converting from the penalty spot after Ales Mertelj had handled Willian’s pass inside the Maribor area.
It was his first goal for the club since scoring the match-winning spot-kick in the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich.
Mourinho was not pleased that Drogba had taken the penalty ahead of regular taker Eden Hazard, but was happy with his overall performance after replacing Remy in the 16th minute.
“He was comfortable to play 75 minutes,” added Mourinho.
“It was very, very important for Didier. The best thing for a player to improve his condition is to play.
“His last goal for Chelsea was the most important goal in the history of the club. So to be back and to score again at Stamford Bridge is nice for him.”
Dominic Solanke, a 17-year-old England youth international striker, came on in the closing stages for his senior debut, but Mourinho says the teenager is “far away” from being ready for featuring regularly for the first team.
The win against the Slovenians continues Chelsea’s impressive form in the Champions League as they top Group G with seven points.
Mourinho says it is too early to consider the Blues one of the favourites to win the competition, saying: “We are not even qualified for the next phase.
“The first objective is to qualify, second objective is to finish first in the group.”
BBC SPORT
