Mourinho considers cup final options

Jose Mourinho claims Chelsea's injury problems are so bad he will consider picking goalkeeper Hilario as a substitute striker for the FA Cup final on Saturday.

Mourinho could have just 15 senior players fit for the clash against Manchester United at the new Wembley Stadium, with Mikel John Obi expected to miss the showpiece after limping off against Everton on Sunday. Ashley Cole is facing a race against time to be fit, meaning Mourinho could have goalkeepers Hilario and Carlo Cudicini on the bench.

"If Ashley is ready we have 15 players for the final," said boss Mourinho on 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."

Andriy Shevchenko, Michael Ballack, Ricardo Carvalho and Arjen Robben are undergoing treatment at the club.

Michael Essien and Claude Makelele were rested against Everton on the final day of the Barclays Premiership season, with Mourinho using youngsters Sam Hutchinson, Ben Sahar and Nuno Morais off the bench.

Mikel picked up a muscle injury in the 1-1 draw and limped off with 16 minutes remaining and making him a doubt for the United clash.

"We will see but I think he is out of the game," said Mourinho.