Remy out but Costa has ‘a little chance’

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has “a little chance” of playing against Manchester United on Sunday but Loic Remy faces two or three weeks on the sidelines.

Costa, who missed the recent wins against Crystal Palace and Maribor, has been struggling with a hamstring injury and this week had to be taken to hospital because of an illness.

He did some light work by himself on Friday at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground and manager Jose Mourinho says the Spain international could yet be involved at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Ramires could also be in the squad following an injury and Andre Schurrle appears to have recovered from illness.

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Mourinho said: “Diego has a chance. A little chance. We are trying and will see what happens between now and Sunday. Remy has no chance.

“Diego has a little chance, the same as Mikel and Ramires. The only one I can confirm has no chance is Remy. I would say two or three weeks.

“Everything happened to Diego. He was injured and then had to go to hospital with a viral situation that we didn’t manage to resolve without him being in hospital over one night.

“Him being ill didn’t help with his recovery process because we didn’t want him here at Cobham, so all the treatment was done by the medical staff at his house.”

Remy picked up a groin injury during the Champions League game against Maribor in midweek and went off shortly after scoring the opening goal.

The Frenchman was replaced by Didier Drogba, who scored his first goal since returning to Chelsea in the summer and could be needed against United.

Asked if Drogba is likely to start, Mourinho said: “I don’t know and I’m telling you the truth. I’m being honest. I really don’t know.”

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