Scolari snaps up Mineiro

Scolari snaps up Mineiro

Chelsea manager manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has added Brazilian midfielder Mineiro to his squad to cover for the long-term absence of Michael Essien.

Ghana international Essien is likely to miss most of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament earlier this month while playing for his country.

Mineiro was a free agent after being released by Hertha Berlin at the end of last term and becomes the third Brazilian player at Stamford Bridge where he joins compatriots Juliano Belletti and Alex.

The defensive midfielder, who has represented his country on 24 occasions, has penned a deal that will keep him with the Blues until the end of this season.

Scolari said of Mineiro on the club's official website: "He is a player that I need because I lost Michael Essien for six months. I have one midfielder like him, (John Obi) Mikel.

"So this week he will not play, but maybe after 15 days to two weeks, he is ready to play normal games.

"He needs to play some games in the reserve team, and for me it is very good because I have one more player in this position. If not I have to put in Belletti or (Paulo) Ferreira, or (Michael) Ballack, and they are not for this position.

"I say to fans of Chelsea, if they remember (Claude) Makelele, Mineiro is the same. Good positionally, a very good marker. He is a man that works for the other players and he is also a good man outside of the pitch."