Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has hinted that he will heavily rotate his squad for their match with Liverpool this weekend, which could go a long way to deciding the destination of the Premier League title.
The Blues drew 0-0 in their Champions League semi-final first leg at Atletico Madrid, but several key injuries and suspensions leaves their squad depleted for the return fixture at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday.
Petr Cech and John Terry may not play again this season after suffering shoulder and foot injuries respectively, while Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel are unavailable after reaching the yellow card limit.
Victory at Anfield on Sunday would take Chelsea to within two points of the table-topping Reds, but Mourinho has indicated that he is ready to prioritise Europe at the expense of domestic glory.
The Portuguese coach admitted that, were it solely up to him, he would rest those players who will need to play against Atletico for their trip to Merseyside, but did stress that he would not make that decision alone.
"I can't decide by myself," Mourinho told reporters. "I think that's a decision I have to listen the club. I'm just a piece, I'm just the manager and no more than that.
"I have to listen to the club. I think the fact that the match is on Sunday I think puts the problem not in my hands. We represent English football and we are the only English team that is European competition. Spain has four and gave them all the conditions to try to have success.
"I know what I would do, but I'm not the club. I have to speak with the club. I would play with the players that are not going to play Wednesday."
Eden Hazard is nursing a calf strain and may be one of those saved for Madrid's visit to London.
Joe Fish
