José joy as Sheva back in the goals

CHELSEA manager José Mourinho has welcomed the return to form and fitness of Andriy Shevchenko and silenced suggestions the Ukrainian is not part of his plans.

The striker scored for his country during their Euro 2008 qualifiers in midweek, amid suggestions that he was upset at not being part of Chelsea’s squad at the start of the season.

But Shevchenko, who underwent a groin operation towards the end of last season, proved his fitness on international duty and Mourinho is ready to welcome him back into the fold.

Shevchenko will almost certainly play some part in today’s home clash with Blackburn because Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba is missing.

He has not recovered from the knee injury he sustained in the closing moments of their defeat against Aston Villa.

Mourinho confirmed that both Drogba and England midfielder Frank Lampard would be absent from his line-up and there was a doubt about Claudio Pizarro, who was still on his way back from international duty with Peru.

But Mourinho said: “Sheva is selected. It is good to have him back. We need every player. We are starting the period where we need everybody.”

Mourinho may not have selected the Ukrainian so far this season but he still believes Shevchenko is improving in every aspect of his game and, more importantly, the teamwork which is so vital to Chelsea.

Mourinho explained: “Sometimes it is not just about fitness. Sometimes players have a great fitness situation and they are not performing well.

“I think he’s improving in every aspect. Against Italy he played a good game not just because he scored the goal, football is not just about goals.

“I think his contribution to the team was positive. He brought aspects I want him to bring. I was very happy watching that game. I hope he can perform for us because we need him.

“Last Wednesday I was watching three or four matches at the same time — doing a lot of zipping. I was taping other matches to watch them all, I saw every one of my players except Essien in Saudi Arabia and I’m happy with the way he performed.”

Mourinho has challenged his players to focus on winning the title back — starting with victory over Blackburn at Stamford Bridge today.