No apology, and he took no questions on the matter, but Cheslea manager Jose Mourinho did read out a statement during Friday's press conference regarding his decision to banish his medical team from the sidelines this weekend.

He explained that Chelsea club doctor Eva Carneiro may return to the bench in future despite the furore of her banishment for Sunday's match with Manchester City, manager Jose Mourinho said today.

The Chelsea boss has been heavily criticised for his reaction towards Carneiro and head physiotherapist Jon Fearn entering the field of play to treat Eden Hazard in the Blues' 2-2 draw with Swansea last weekend.

The Portuguese told the media afterwards that their “impulsive and naive” decision showed they did not “understand the game” with Carneiro’s role at Chelsea now set to change significantly as a result. Hazard had to leave the field after being treated, leaving Chelsea down to nine players for a Swansea attack.

But, after confirming both Carneiro and Fearn would be absent from their usual roles on the bench at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, Mourinho did not rule out their future return.

“Jon Fearn and Dr Carneiro will not be on the bench,” Mourinho confirmed at his pre-match press conference.

“That does not mean that Sunday is for the rest of the season or their careers - they will not be on the bench on Sunday, that is clear, that is my responsibility.”