Mourinho says Robben is returning to Chelsea not Real

LONDON, July 22 (Reuters) Netherlands winger Arjen Robben is returning to Chelsea from the London side's pre-season tour of the United States and not going to Real Madrid, Chelsea manger Jose Mourinho was quoted as saying today.

Robben's future has been the subject of fevered speculation since Chelsea bought Lyon attacking midfielder Florent Malouda earlier this month.

New Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster said last week he was confident of securing the Dutchman and Spanish media said Real had already agreed personal terms with him.

Speculation increased after Robben was missing from the Chelsea lineup for their 1-0 friendly win over LA Galaxy marking David Beckham's US debut yesterday.

''Robben is injured. He is here and he is flying home with us, not to Madrid,'' British media quoted Mourinho as saying today, however.

Mourinho said Robben, 23, had a knee injury.

Chelsea return to Europe for a friendlies against Feyenoord, Rangers and Brondby over the next 10 days before meeting Manchester United in the season-opening Community Shield at Wembley on August 5.

REUTERS RJ RAI2238