Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Mineiro.

The 33-year-old has been without a club since leaving German side Hertha Berlin at the end of last season.

Mineiro had been linked with Arsenal and Birmingham, but has opted for a deal that will initially see him stay at Stamford Bridge until next summer.

"Mineiro is a player I need because I lost Michael Essien for six months and only Jon Mikel Obi is there for us," said Blues boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.

"He (Mineiro) won't play this week but maybe after 10 days he will play," Scolari added.

"He needs to play in the reserve team and needs some time but that is good for me because he gives me some options.

"We would miss Deco, it would not be good news. But it's hard to say at the moment (how bad the injury is)."

The Brazilian has won 24 caps for his country and was a member of the 2006 World Cup squad.

"I say to fans of Chelsea, if they remember (Claude) Makelele, Mineiro is the same," Scolari said of the defensive midfielder.

"He is 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."