Willian
Willian is ready to return to action Getty

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed Willian is ready to return to action for the Premier League trip to Newcastle United on 26 September after missing the last two games. The Portuguese boss, meanwhile, said he is yet to make a decision on who will replace Diego Costa up front after both Radamel Falcao and Loic Remy started in the 4-1 win over Walsall in League Cup while the Spaniard served the first of his three-game ban.

Willian suffered an injury during the 4-0 win over Maccabi in the Champions League on 16 September, missing the Premier League derby against Arsenal as well the cup trip to Walsall.

But speaking ahead of the game against the Magpies, Mourinho confirmed the Brazilian is available for selection and said there are no more fresh injury concerns – apart from Thibaut Courtois's long-term absence. The Portuguese boss, nevertheless, failed to clarify the situation of Kenedy after the youngster was replaced by Pedro at the Bescot Stadium on 23 September due to a calf problem.

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Mourinho claims he will make a final decision on his number nine after studying the rival. Falcao has so far been his second-choice striker but Remy seized his first starting appearance of the campaign with a goal in the win over Walsall, while the Colombian failed to find the net.

"I don't know, I could tell you I know but I don't," Mourinho said as quoted by Chelsea official website. "I have to keep analysing the opponent, I have to try to know more about them, who is playing, who is not playing, who is injured, who plays with Coloccini in central defence?

"Mbemba, Williamson or another one? I have to try to know a bit more to make my decision. All of them are good players, we have good strikers."

One way or another, the Chelsea manager said his decision will not be motivated by Remy's desire to face his former side after having enjoyed an impressive season on loan St James Park two seasons ago.

"Loic wants to play every game, he doesn't want to play against Newcastle because it's Newcastle," said the Portuguese. "There is no more motivation for him to score against Newcastle than Walsall. I don't think players think about these things, the motivation for them is to try to play all the time."