Mineiro is in line to make his first start for Chelsea against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday. The Brazilian midfielder, 33, signed on a free transfer from Hertha Berlin, has been added to the Chelsea squad and could replace John Obi Mikel, following the Nigerian's error strewn performance against Roma on Wednesday.

Mikel was at fault for two of the goals in Chelsea's 3-1 Champions League defeat in Rome.

Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Chelsea manager, has already likened Mineiro's style of play to that of Claude Makelele, their former defensive midfielder, and he may well decide to give him a chance to shine in that role against Rovers. But the veteran is taking nothing for granted.

"Other players are my allies, not my opponents. I'm not trying to fight against them for a place," Mineiro said. "We are a group, it's all about the team and doing the best for the team.

"I first heard about Chelsea's interest two months ago, I was very happy because I wasn't playing at the time and it was a great opportunity for me to come here and show my work. I'm really happy I'm here and have this opportunity now."

Mineiro had plenty of offers during the summer, including one from Arsenal, as well as the chance to stay in Berlin. But he could not resist the chance to work with Scolari at Stamford Bridge.

"Every coach has their own way of working and at that time the Hertha coach thought maybe I wasn't right for the team he was trying to build," Mineiro said.

"They did offer me an extension to my contract even if I wasn't playing. But that's in the past, what is gone is gone. I'm very happy to be here instead."

Chelsea are without left-back Ashley Cole (calf) plus Essien (knee) and fellow midfielder Michael Ballack (foot) for the trip to Ewood Park.