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LONDON (AP) — Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois faces a long spell on the sidelines after picking up a right knee injury that will require surgery.
Just back from international duty, the Belgium international picked up the injury during a training session on Wednesday.
"I cannot tell you much, but I can tell you that he needs surgery in his right knee," Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said Friday. "As a consequence of that, he will be out for quite a long time. I cannot be at this moment more specific about the injury or the time he will be out."
Courtois' absence will mean a return for Asmir Begovic in goal for Saturday's match at Everton.
The injury is the latest setback for the Premier League champions, who have taken only four points from their opening four games and are already eight points adrift of leader Manchester City.
Mourinho said midfielder Oscar is still unavailable, following an undisclosed injury, but indicated he was close to making his first appearance since the season-opening draw at home to Swansea.
"Almost there," Mourinho said of the Brazil playmaker.
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