Chelsea expect Diego Costa to recover from his latest injury setback in time to face Arsenal in less than three weeks time, but the clash with Manchester United will be too soon for his return.
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Chelsea boss admits risk at playing Diego Costa despite win against Stoke
(Image) Stats suggest Chelsea could actually improve without Diego Costa
Jose Mourinho risked the striker in the victory over Stoke City on Saturday evening, and the gamble backfired when Costa hobbled off just 11 minutes after coming on as a substitute.
The Blues boss has since admitted to BBC Sport reporters that his decision to start the Spain international was a poor choice.
Fortunately for Chelsea, Loic Remy was on hand to secure three points for his side, but Costa’s injury leaves the Stamford Bridge outfit short of attacking options in the title run-in.
Nonetheless, Mourinho doesn’t believe the forward’s season is over, and according to the Daily Mail, the Portuguese believes he will be back in time to face the Gunners, which could be the decider in Chelsea being crowned Premier League champions.
As part of his rehabilitation, Costa won’t be doing any ball work, and the Mail state Chelsea will be sending in a specialist to speed up the 26-year-old’s recovery of the injured hamstring that has been a ongoing problem for the former Atletico Madrid ace this season.