Chelsea right-back Branislav Ivanovic is set for a three week spell on the sidelines following a hamstring tear suffered on international duty.
The Serb, who has come under scrutiny from fans and pundits alike this season, was forced off injured in his country’s 2-0 over Albania last Thursday.
The Mail Online report that the injury is set to keep him out until at least the end of the month, giving summer signing Baba Rahman a chance to impress in his absence.
Rahman would play left-back while Cesar Azpilicueta would move across to his more natural right-back position.
The £21 million signing from FC Augsburg is yet to make a Premier League start for the Blues but is now likely to appear in the starting eleven when Chelsea host Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.
Rahman has impressed in starts against Maccabi Tel Aviv and Walsall but Mourinho has so far insisted that he is “not ready” to become a regular starter in the league.
Meanwhile, Ivanovic’s injury is set to end his record of 63 consecutive league starts, currently more than any other Premier League player.
The 31-year-old has been somewhat of a scapegoat for Chelsea fans so far this season, though his performances have been admittedly poor during his side’s torrid start to the season.
As well as this weekend’s home match against Tim Sherwood’s Aston Villa side, Ivanovic is likely to miss trips to West Ham, Dynamo Kiev and Stoke, while he will also be a doubt for the visit of Liverpool to Stamford Bridge on October 31st.
