Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will be out of action for a "long time".
The Belgian keeper suffered a knee injury in training and needs surgery that will keep him out for a significant period.
"Thibaut Courtois was injured in training, he needs surgery on his right knee and he will be out for quite a long time," Mourinho told reporters this afternoon. "At this moment I cannot be more specific."
Reports this morning have suggested that the meniscus problem could keep the Blues No.1 out for the rest of the calendar year.
Mourinho has now backed Asmir Begovic to impress in Courtois's absence.
"It's not easy to have the best goalkeeper injured," Mourinho added. "But it's easy to have one of the best to play, and we have Begovic. We have a top goalkeeper, and Begovic will play."
The Bosnian will line up in goal for Chelsea's trip to Everton tomorrow lunchtime.
Pascal Lemesre
