Remy back but Costa will not face Palace
Loic Remy has been passed fit to return for Chelsea against Crystal Palace but Diego Costa will not be involved.
French striker Remy has been out since the win against Stoke on 4 April but is set to play at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, when a Chelsea victory would see them clinch the title.
Top scorer Costa has been nursing the hamstring problem which has affected him for much of the season.
And with the Blues well clear at the top of the Premier League and on the verge of being confirmed as champions, boss Jose Mourinho has seen no reason to take a risk on Costa’s fitness.
He also hinted that the Spain forward would return for the game at Liverpool a week on Sunday if Chelsea do not beat Palace.
Asked if Costa had suffered a setback in his recovery, Mourinho said: “No, [but] it’s not worth the risk.
“In this process of the last month, if we lose a game and don’t want to lose the second he will be back immediately.
“Because results in the last month were victories and a draw, we don’t need to rush.
“We have tried to give him maximum stability. There is no need for any risk.”
Mourinho also suggested it was possible that Costa, who has scored 19 goals this season, will not play again this season if Chelsea wrap up the title in his absence.
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