Diego Costa Could Face Manchester United
By Lou Flavius
Diego Costa – Flickr Creative Commons
Chelsea fans shouldn’t get too excited, but according to Jose Mourinho, striker Diego Costa could be fit enough to face Manchester United on Sunday.
The news came as a relief to many, as there has been much speculation around the striker’s health over the past few days. Costa returned from international duty after playing huge minutes during Spain’s European Cup qualifying matches against Slovakia and Luxembourg. He was not deemed fit enough to play against Crystal Palace or NK Maribor after the break. The Blues managed to do quite well without him though, winning both games and scoring eight goals in the process.
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Jose Mourinho has since spoken out against international managers, and their mishandling of players. Costa is believed to have aggravated his hamstring injury whilst playing for Spain. And if that wasn’t bad enough, he contracted a stomach virus on his return to England. The striker was hospitalized as a result.
It was also rumored that apart from his hamstring and stomach problems, Costa was also nursing a groin strain, but Mourinho has dismissed it as just that — a rumor.
"“Everything happened to him. He was obviously injured and then he had to go to hospital before the Maribor game with a viral situation that we didn’t manage to resolve without him being in hospital overnight.”"
During his press conference on Friday, the manager told reporters that Costa stands a chance of playing at Old Trafford, but in the same breath, he ruled out Loic Remy. The French international strained his groin during Chelsea’s Champions League match vs Maribor, it is believed that he will be out for two to three weeks.
“Diego has a chance, he has a little chance – the same as Mikel and Ramires. The only one I can confirm has no chance is Remy.”
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Costa has set the league alight since making his move to Chelsea, he is fast becoming one of the most feared strikers in Europe. The Brazilian has formed a great partnership with his international teammate Cesc Fabregas, the two players often combine to deadly effect out on the pitch. Costa has scored nine goals in seven outings for the Blues, and they would hate to have to face United without him. The Red Devils are at their weakest right now, but this won’t be a walk in the park for Chelsea.
"“I’m waiting until after tomorrow’s training session to see which players are available. I will consider nothing until then. Obviously I have studied Man United the best I could, as I always do with every opponent, but I haven’t made any decision about my team.”"
Supporters should remain optimistic by all means; if there’s anything we’ve learned about Diego Costa, he will play as long as there is a “chance.”
(Quotes taken from chelseafc.com)