Mourinho Returns as Chelsea Struggle with Injuries

Jose Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge as Benfica manager for a high-profile Champions League meeting with Chelsea. Chelsea arrive under pressure after a 3-1 opening defeat to Bayern Munich, recent poor results and costly red cards, and are hampered by injuries to Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo. Reports of internal tension between head coach Enzo Maresca and analyst Bernardo Cueva and disagreements over recruitment have emerged, though the board has quietly expressed support for Maresca. Young winger Estevao Willian has been given minutes this season and is being blooded despite his inexperience. Mourinho’s emotional return — stressing he will “always be a Blue” — has dominated headlines and increases the spotlight on Chelsea, who need a result to stabilise Maresca’s tenure.