Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has never been one to shy away from mind games, and ahead of his Champions League return to Stamford Bridge, the Special One has set his sights on Chelsea star Cole Palmer.

Speaking before the much-anticipated showdown, Mourinho admitted he was relieved that Palmer will not be available due to a groin injury.

“I’m happy with that. He’s a phenomenal player. But I think they have a good team, in a way that if Cole Palmer doesn’t play it’s not a problem for them.”

Mourinho then drew a sharp comparison with his own side, underlining just how vital his stars are to Benfica’s hopes.

He said: “If Sudakov doesn’t play or if Pavlidis doesn’t play, I am in big trouble. But for Chelsea, no problem.”

This fixture also marks Mourinho’s first return to the Stamford Bridge dugout since 2020, when he last managed Tottenham Hotspur.