Coach Holger Osieck defended his decision, saying he was "opening doors to talent" that caught his attention in a bid to test upcoming players at international level.

Bale has not played since mid-July due to a foot problem and his latest injury concern comes just days before he is scheduled to make his Madrid debut at Villarreal this weekend.

Schwarzer signed on a free transfer earlier this month after spells at Fulham and Middlesbrough and will provide valuable competition and motivation for number one goalkeeper Petr Cech.

Mourinho made clear that he regarded Cech as the world's best 'keeper, but he said the 40-year-old Schwarzer gave Chelsea extra "security" as a vastly experienced and highly rated back-up.

The 40-year-old former Fulham and Middlesbrough player signed on a free transfer after leaving Fulham at the end of last season after five years.

He wanted to stay at the London side to ensure top-level football in the run-up to the World Cup in 2014, but Stekelenburg's signing Wednesday convinced him it was time to move. "That's what I've heard (Stekelenburg's signing) and I've been hearing that for a while so it's no great surprise and I'll be looking for another club," he told Sydney's Daily Telegraph.

Venezuelan defender Amorebieta spent eight years at Bilbao and has signed a four-year contract with Fulham, while Ghana international Boateng arrives from Ukrainian club Dnipro on an initial one-year deal.

The English club has not only posted the match dates on its website, but also opened the ticket windows for the matches. According to the club, matches at Craven Cottage are open to fans and tickets are available online.

Schwarzer has been in fine form for the Premier League side this season and Jol is keen to extend the 40-year-old's stay at Craven Cottage.

The Norwegian centre-back joined Fulham from FC Copenhagen in January 2008 and has made 233 appearances for the west London outfit in all competitions.