Chelsea boss defiant after Costa call-up

Diego Costa will start for Chelsea in Sunday’s derby against Arsenal despite concerns about his fitness and the striker’s international call-up.

Costa has been nursing a hamstring problem and Blues boss Jose Mourinho has made it clear the injury needs to be carefully managed but that he was powerless to stop the player being selected by his country.

And the former Atletico Madrid man has duly been included in Spain’s squad for their Euro 2016 qualifiers against Slovakia and Luxembourg.

“My reaction to the news is no reaction. It was not a surprise for me,” said Mourinho.

“Can he play three matches in a week? I think it’s too much. But he is going to do that.

“And why is he going to do that? Because I’m not going to save him to be in perfect condition for the national team.

“We have had three very important matches and had to go with everything and everybody. And Arsenal is also an important match and the last one of a busy period for the club. He plays.”

The prospect of Costa, 25, risking injury while playing for Spain rather than being given a break will be no doubt be a worry for Chelsea as they look to maintain the form that has seen them top the table.

He has been outstanding since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, scoring eight goals in his six Premier League appearances.

Mourinho added: “He can play against Arsenal. We had a match in Lisbon and four days in between, so he is in okay condition to play against Arsenal. What happens after that is not my responsibility.”

Ramires and Didier Drogba have been ruled out of Sunday’s game with hip and ankle injuries respectively.

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