Jose Mourinho confirms Branislav Ivanovic absence

Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Branislav Ivanovic will miss Chelsea's match against Aston Villa after picking up an injury during the international break.

The defender limped off with an apparent hamstring injury while away with the Serbia national side earlier this month, forcing him to miss the visit of Tim Sherwood's side tomorrow.

The manager said at his pre-match press conference: "We only have the Ivanovic injury but we have solutions. I have four solutions. I have [Cesar] Azpilicueta, I have [Kurt] Zouma, I have adaptations for Ramires, I have Ola Aina. He is only 18 and never played in the Premier League but he has potential."

The reigning champions sit 16th in the table after winning just two of their first eight matches this season.