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Mourinho says Mata deserves to play for Chelsea but 'I can't start with 12'

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho admits Juan Mata should be playing regularly for the London club but concedes that he wouldn't know who to drop.

The Spanish midfielder has started just five times in the Premier League and once in the Champions League for a total of nine appearances this season but Mourinho suggests he is having a hard time fitting him in his starting XI.

"I can't change the rules, I can't start the match with 12, 13 or 14 players," Mourinho told reporters.

"Juan deserves to play.

"I have to leave players out because I can't start with 15 players. It's a good problem because I have so many good options."

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