Hilario option considered

Blues manager Jose Mourinho is facing an injury crisis which has forced him to consider his options for the clash with Manchester United at Wembley, including whether to name the Portuguese shot-stopper as an outfield player.

Chelsea could have just 15 senior players who are fit after John Obi Mikel limped out of the weekend's match with Everton. The Nigerian joins Andriy Shevchenko, Michael Ballack, Ricardo Carvalho and Arjen Robben on the sidelines, while Ashley Cole is struggling for fitness.

"If Ashley is ready we have 15 players for the final," Mourinho told Chelsea TV. "I will have to choose between Hilario because he is not bad playing forward, or I'll bring one of the kids to make 16."

Chelsea have the chance to record a cup double in Saturday's showpiece event at the new Wembley after having already secured the League Cup, but victory for United would see the new Premiership champions seal a double themselves.