Chelsea sign Midfielder Mineiro

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has bolstered his squad by signing Mineiro until the end of the season.

The 33-year-old, who has won 24 caps for Brazil, was a free agent having been released by Hertha Berlin at the end of last season.

Chelsea have been short of defensive midfield cover with Claude Makelele having left the club in the summer and Michael Essien sidelined with a serious knee injury.

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

"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 (Juliano) Belletti or Paulo) Ferreira, or (Michael) Ballack, and they are not for this position. I say to fans of Chelsea, if they remember 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."

Chelsea Ready to Sign Brazil Midfielder Mineiro

Chelsea are set to sign veteran Brazil midfielder Mineiro on a free transfer.

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 now looks set to seal a move to Stamford Bridge within 24 hours after agreeing terms.

"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.

Ghana midfielder Essien is out for around six months after suffering an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury while on World Cup qualifying duty.

Scolari will also be without Deco, who picked up a thigh injury in the warm-up before the 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.

Portuguese compatriot Ricardo Carvalho then damaged his knee during the game - and both will be assessed to determine the extent of the damage.

"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)."