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Continuing the theme of Chelsea often revealing incomplete or vague information regarding injuries in the squad, Thibaut Courtois only made the bench against Newcastle United on Saturday. While the young Belgian has been firmly entrenched as Chelsea's number one goalkeeper this season, Mourinho's decision to start with Petr Cech instead could easily be interpreted as punishment for the five goals that Courtois shipped to Spurs in his last game. But it turns out that it was the finger injury that he picked up in the same game that kept him out.
Holland says Courtois could have played but has pain from a finger injury so it makes sense to use the quality of Cech. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 10, 2015
Mourinho had mentioned the injury after the loss, expressing hope that it wasn't broken. Courtois had been able to carry on after receiving a bit of treatment, and was obviously fit enough for the bench and any emergency action.
Courtois misses out on Chelsea's starting XI today as he has broken his thumb (via @JohnBrewinESPN).
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 10, 2015
So what's the deal with his finger? Is it broken? Sprained? Bruised? Who knows. But clearly it's not 100%.