Mutu is facing wrath of Jose

Adrian Mutu is set for another showdown with Jose Mourinho after he declared himself fit to play in Romania's World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic on Saturday.

Mutu has not played for Chelsea for three weeks because of a persistent knee injury and his club had asked the Romanian Soccer Federation to rest him from the match in Prague.

Mutu's return from injury is even more important to Chelsea following the news that Didier Drogba will be out for a month with a groin problem, but the Romanian is prepared to risk his fitness to play for his country.

He said: "I'll play against the Czech Republic at any risk. Such a match is so important for the national team that I cannot miss it. I want to prove in the national team that I'm a good player. I trained for 40 minutes last night and felt no pain.

"I'm in an open conflict with Mourinho who forbade me to go to my national team and said I was injured. It is not true - I have been in good condition for five days and he knew that."

Mutu faces a fine of at least two weeks' wages for going missing but he added: "I don't care about being fined. I want everyone to know that the national team is the most important thing for me."

Mutu has made just two substitute appearances for Chelsea this season but remains an icon in Romania, having scored in the World Cup qualifying wins over Finland and Macedonia last month.