Chelsea FC are still sweating over the fitness of first-choice striker Diego Costa ahead of their Premier League opener against Swansea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
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Not unsurprisingly, Chelsea FC manager Jos Mourinho was unable to make a definite statement regarding the fitness of Brazilian born Spanish international Diego Costa in his pre-match press conference on Friday evening, but insisted that he was happy with his striking options.
“I don’t know whether Diego Costa will train” – Jose Mourinho
The Blues’ manager has recently vented his frustration regarding the uncertainty of his star striker’s fitness, but was in a fairly jovial mood in his pre-match press conference – chuckling as he revealed that he was still in the dark about Diego Costa’s situation.
Mourinho is quoted by the club’s official website as saying: “I dona t know if Diego will train. Obviously Diegoa s a top striker and everybody wants top strikers.
“Hea s such an important player for us not just for the goals he scores but also for the football he produces and the mentality he helps create in the team. I think he is going to train with the team [today]. His reaction after that and his decision to be confident to play is another story.
“There is nobody to blame. I cana t blame the player because he works hard. I completely trust the medical department. I am calm, positive, and I believe he will be with us for many matches.”
When asked whether he was concerned about the long-term impact of Diego Costa’s injury woes, the Chelsea FC manager quipped: “I prefer a top player like him who makes a real difference when he is ready than to have a player who is always available who is just a bit better than myself.”
Ramires could get the nod ahead of Oscar
Most of the Chelsea FC starting XI pick themselves, including the back five of Courtois, Ivanovi , Cahill, Terry and Azpilicueta, as well the midfield double-pivot of Mati and Cesc F bregas. However, Oscar’s place in the line-up for the Blues’ opener against Swansea is far less certain.
The Brazilian international started and played 60 minutes of the friendly against Fiorentina on Wednesday night – alongside a largely second-string side – after being excluded from the team that started the FA Community Shield clash against Arsenal FC.
It was Ramires, who in the same fixture last season – made a difference by coming on at half time, bringing more stability to a Chelsea FC midfield that was being run ragged by the passing and movement of Gary Monk’s side. As such, it would not be a surprise to see him line-up alongside Mati and F bregas come Saturday evening.
