Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Diego Costa will start the Champions League encounter against PSG who are likely to be without the services of Serge Aurier, Yohan Cabaye and Lucas Moura.
Jose Mourinho refused to be drawn into a war of words with PSGa s Laurent Blanc who suggested that the Portuguese manager would a raise the temperature on the pitcha with his antics on Tuesday. Mourinho however did confirm that he will start Diego Costa against PSG as Chelsea go looking for the crucial away goal that could well decide the Champions League fixture.
“Yes, I start him (Diego Costa). But I don’t think it’s good for a player to be three weeks, or three matches, without starting a game. So I don’t think he’s in the best of his condition.a
“But, at the same time, Remy and Drogba have played in the last three matches. Obviously important for them to have minutes and confidence. I know that I have them both ready for the game, too.a
John Obi Mikel is out due to an injury and will not feature in the game against PSG. Mourinho is likely to start Oscar in the midfield and could promote Kurt Zouma ahead of Gary Cahill in the starting line-up. Mourinho also has a decision to make regarding his goal-keeper with both Thibaut Courtois and Petr Cech running in contention for a spot in the starting eleven.
“Chelsea has the two best goalkeepers in the Premier League and for me, easy job”
Meanwhile PSG manager Laurent Blanc has a tough situation in hand after his side suffered a complete collapse during the weekend fixture. PSG will be without the services of Serge Aurier, Yohan Cabaye and Lucas Moura with Thiago Motta, Marquinhos and Blaise Matuidi doubtful for the clash against Chelsea.
“Serge Aurier, Yohan Cabaye and Lucas Moura are officially out, unfortunately. There are two or three other players who are doubtful [Thiago Motta, Blaise Matuidi, Marquinhos], wea ll have to assess their fitness after todaya s training session.”
“I’ll ask them if they are 100% fit and ready for this match, as for this type of fixtures, you need all your players on the pitch to be at 100%.”
Laurent Blanc has warned his players to not fall for Jose Mourinhoa s antics during the Champions League match and has asked Zlatan Ibrahimovic to avoid picking up a yellow card like he did against Caen in the weekend. The Swedish international was booked for taking off his shirt while celebrating his goal.
With PSG keen to avoid losing out to Chelsea like they did last season, PSG boss Laurent Blanc will be heavily reliant on Zlatan to help the team cross the finishing line as the two teams come head to head at the Parc des Princes.