Mourinho could have only 15 senior players fit for the clash against Manchester United at the new Wembley Stadium, with John Obi Mikel expected to miss the showpiece after limping off against Everton on Sunday.

Ashley Cole is also 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," Mourinho said. "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."