Mourinho facing Cudicini blow

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho could be without Italian goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini for Sunday's Barclays Premiership showdown with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

Cudicini suffered a muscle injury during the later stages of their win over Bolton last week and it forced him to miss Tuesday's UEFA Champions League victory over Levski Sofia.

He will have a late fitness test but Mourinho admits his chances of recovering in time are 'doubtful' and he may be forced to go into Sunday's crucial game with reserve Hilario and the untried Magnus Hedman on the bench.

Hilario's last appearance for the English champions was in their 2-1 defeat by Tottenham at White Hart Lane last month but Mourinho will have to rely on him against Arsene Wenger's side if Cudicini fails to shake off the injury.

Hedman, signed until the end of the season as cover for Cudicini and Hilario while Petr Cech recovers from his skull injury, has yet to be involved with the first team.

Mourinho said: "If I don't have Carlo I have Hilario and Magnus Hedman. We have permission from the Premier League to play him.

"Carlo has a muscle injury which the scan has confirmed. He did it taking the last goal-kick against Bolton."