Torres DOES have a future at Chelsea, says Mourinho despite Blues' striker woes

By Charlie Skillen for MailOnline

Published: 08:21 EDT, 4 April 2014 | Updated: 10:32 EDT, 4 April 2014

Jose Mourinho insists Fernando Torres has a future at Chelsea despite the £50million flop enduring another frustrating season at Stamford Bridge.

Torres fired yet another blank in the Blues' 3-1 Champions League defeat at PSG, with Mourinho once again criticising his side's strikers.

Torres, along with fellow forwards Demba Ba and Samuel Eto'o, had all been touted for the exit door as Chelsea eye summer signings like Diego Costa and Mario Mandzukic.

Relaxed: Chelsea striker Fernando Torres (third from left) smiles during training on Friday

On the ball: Torres takes a touch under pressure from January signing Mohamed Salah (second from right)

All smiles: Torres shares a joke with fellow striker Demba Ba, who has also come under criticism from manager Jose Mourinho this season

Sign? Torres may have a future at Chelsea - here modelling next season's home shirt

Flop: But Fernando Torres (right), with Blaise Matuidi, could still feature at Chelsea next season

But Mourinho says Torres deserves respect and maintains the Spaniard could still feature in his plans next season.

'Does he have a future? Yes, he has,' Mourinho said.

'He is under contract, he's a good professional. He works hard for the team, he brings positive things to the team.

'Obviously, we want him to score more goals. Obviously, he wants to score more goals. It's not just me that wants.

Drinking it in: Jose Mourinho says the under-fire Torres has a future at Stamford Bridge

Getting ready: Torres and team-mate Frank Lampard tussle for the ball ahead of Chelsea's game with Stoke

Faith: Mourinho, pictured watching his side's training session on Friday, believes Torres can still contribute next season

'People that give everything they have you never can blame and you never can complain.

'When he's on the pitch he tries to do his best. Obviously we want more. Obviously.

'He's the first one that wants more, but he's the kind of player I respect, he deserves to be respected and there's nothing more you can say about it.'

Chelsea face Stoke in Saturday's late kick-off and Mourinho ruled Samuel Eto'o and John Obi Mikel out of the game, but indicated there could be an injury return for Ashley Cole.

Frozen out? But Ashley Cole is back in contention for selection against Stoke City on Saturday

Cole has not featured for the Blues since the 2-0 FA Cup loss at Manchester City, having lost his starting left-back berth to Cesar Azpilicueta.

Meanwhile, Mourinho would not be drawn on reports linking the Belgian with a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge.

'I don't think it's the time to speak about it,' Mourinho said.

'He is a Chelsea player, but at the same time he is also an Everton player till the end of the season and we want to respect that.

'That loan is working well for the three. Working well for Everton, working well for Lukaku and working well for Chelsea.' Chelsea have not been approached about Lukaku.

Sealed with a kiss: But Mourinho refused to be drawn on the future of Romelu Lukaku