Four Chelsea players unavailable for Maribor match, according to Jose Mourinho

Chelsea will be facing Maribor at home on Tuesday evening without four of their usual options. Three will be out with various injuries, while one is still unavailable due to illness.

Jose: 'Diego Costa hasn't trained because he's not in condition to do so. Tomorrow he can't play.' #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) October 20, 2014

Jose also rules John Mikel Obi out of tomorrow's game due to a foot injury. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) October 20, 2014

The manager has also ruled Andre Schurrle and Ramires out of tomorrow's game. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) October 20, 2014

With the exception of Costa, none of the absentees are guys that would be relatively sure to start, though all three are useful parts to have around on the bench. It does sound as if the injuries will provide an opportunity for a youngster though, with Nathan Ake potentially taking over for Mikel in the 'come in to close down the game' role.

Jose: 'Matic and Mikel are quite similar, in that position we are stable. Nathan Ake doesn't have experience but is ready.' #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) October 20, 2014

One would imagine that in addition to Ake, we'll probably see Dom Solanke make the bench for a second straight match in the absence of Diego Costa.

Hopefully, all four players will be healthy enough to go ahead of next Sunday's trip to Old Trafford, where considerably more depth could be required. With the foursome out tomorrow and four full days of rest between fixtures, I wouldn't expect too much rotation against Maribor.