Report: Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois dealing with broken thumb

Chelsea has avoided significant injury to essentially all of their key players this season, but it seems that luck may have just run out.

Thibaut Courtois is suffering from a broken thumb, according to ESPN FC's John Brewin, which explains the goalkeeper's absence in Chelsea's game against Newcastle on Saturday.

Despite the apparent severity of the injury - and importance, considering his position - the Belgian shot-stopper was on the bench for the match against the Magpies, which would suggest he won't miss significant time. 

Cynical as this may be, Jose Mourinho could simply be giving Petr Cech some playing time in order to attract potential suitors for the veteran's services. 

It could also be a case of the bench boss sitting his top goalkeeper after Courtois allowed five goals in the club's recent loss to Tottenham. Anything is possible with the Special One.

Should Courtois actually be dealing with a major injury that forces him to the sidelines for a significant period of time, the Blues would be losing one of the best 'keepers in the world at a time they can ill-afford to be without their best squad.