Mourinho keeps Mata out in the cold as Chelsea prepare for crucial Basle clash

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Wrapped up warm: Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho adjusts his zip as he watches his players train


Juan Mata blogged about London’s chill after the warmth of Africa with Spain and Chelsea fly to Switzerland later today where he will find Basle crisp and clear and even chillier.
'I don’t know why but I’ve always enjoyed travelling to Switzerland, I like this country,' wrote Mata, with relentless good cheer despite the fact he remains out in the cold as far as Jose Mourinho’s team is concerned.
The selection storm which dominated the start of the campaign at Stamford Bridge has retreated from view due to the break-up of competitions, international breaks, Mourinho’s own management of the news agenda and Oscar’s good form.
Out in the cold: Juan Mata (second from right) trains with his Chelsea team-mates at Cobham on Monday



Look who's back: Fernando Torres (right) takes part in training after recovering from an abductor injury

Those things and the fact that, with Chelsea performing reasonably well, if not brilliantly, more fans might be coming around to the idea that the manager was perhaps right about how many out-and-out playmakers could be accommodated into one team.
Mata seemed to have made a significant breakthrough at Spurs late in September when he came on at half-time and helped rescue a point.
He was in the team for the next Champions League game and two in the Premier League (against Norwich and Cardiff) but has drifted from favour again and has not started since the defeat at Newcastle on November 2.
Free running: Torres (second from right) tries to get away from Ashley Cole (right) during the morning session

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