Chelsea snap up Brazilian Mineiro

Midfielder Mineiro is a Brazil international

Chelsea have signed 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 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.

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.

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"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."