Mutu could face the chop

Adrian Mutu's Chelsea career is hanging in the balance after the Romania striker failed to show up for training yesterday.

The 25-year-old had a meeting with Jose Mourinho when he returned to the club from international duty on Monday.

Mutu vowed to apologise for last week’s personal attack on Mourinho yesterday but yesterday did not report for training.

He is understood to have contacted Chelsea to provide a reason for his absence and the club is happy with his explanation, although it has done little to repair his relations with the head coach.

Mourinho is furious with the player for criticising him publicly and for defying his wishes by playing for Romania on Saturday when there were fears he was still carrying an injury. Mutu claimed the pair were in open conflict.

This latest breach of discipline could be the final straw.

The Portuguese head coach is a fierce disciplinarian and has no time for strong-willed individuals such as Mutu.