Mourinho confirms Costa will start against City

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has confirmed that star striker Diego Costa will be fit for their game against Manchester City on Sunday.

The 25-year-old picked up a muscle injury during Spain’s international friendly against France earlier this month and was ruled out of the squad for the Euro qualifier.

The player was back on the field for the Blues’ game against Swansea City last weekend, scoring a hat-trick at Stamford Bridge, but was introduced as a late substitute during their 1-1 draw against German side Schalke in the first leg of their Champions League group stage tie on Wednesday.

However, Mourinho has revealed that the Brazilian-born is fit enough to start their crucial game against the reigning champions, but will still miss out on their League Cup fixture against Bolton Wanderers next week.

“Everybody is ready to play. Diego is not in the best condition but he will start the game”, the Portuguese manager told Chelsea’s official site.

“He plays this game, he won’t play against Bolton, and he plays against Aston Villa. Let’s see his evolution.

“The medical department are doing their best, the player is fantastic in trying to play and being available for the team”, the 51-year-old continued

“We have to try to protect him until he gets completely fit.”

The former Atletico Madrid player has so far scored seven goals in his first four league matches, and Chelsea, who are currently leading the Premier League table with 12 points, will be hoping he fully recovers from the hamstring as soon as possible.