Round-up: Zamora’s hip, Costa boost, Jose on Remy, McCormack injury woe

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Striker Costa has impressed during pre-season
Costa has missed the last four games

Diego Costa is set to return to the Chelsea side for Saturday’s west London derby against QPR.

Costa, who has missed the Blues’ last three matches, has been passed fit and is expected to start at Stamford Bridge.

Loic Remy will miss the game against his former club but is on course to return early next month, giving Jose Mourinho what the Chelsea boss has described as the “perfect problem” in terms of team selection.

Rangers, 18/1 outsiders for this weekend’s clash, are still without Joey Barton, Jordon Mutch and Nedum Onuoha.

And boss Harry Redknapp has admitted that Bobby Zamora is still being affected by an ongoing hip condition.

Zamora has been in great form
Zamora has been in great form

Redknapp has also admitted he thought he was going to sign Eden Hazard while Tottenham manager before the Belgian ended up signing for Chelsea.

Can Rangers repeat their shock 2012 win at the Bridge? Click here for what we think will be five key battles that will determined who comes out on top this time.

Both clubs have, as usual, been the subject of transfer speculation.

Rangers have been linked with Tottenham’s Benoit Assou-Ekotto, who was on loan with them last season, while Chelsea are said to be interested in a host of players, including Benfica midfielder Andre Gomes and  PSV Eindhoven winger Zakaria Bakkali.

Arthurworrey has moved to Yeovil
Arthurworrey has moved to Yeovil

Fulham, who face Wigan in their first match since Kit Symons was confirmed as manager, have sent defender Stephen Arthurworrey on loan to Yeovil, while Ryan Williams has had his loan at Barnsley extended by another month.

Brentford host Derby in a match Rams boss Steve McClaren believes will produce entertaining, ‘risky’ football.

The Bees have been dealt a blow on the eve of the game with news that Alan McCormack faces three months out with an ankle injury.

In other news at Griffin Park, young goalkeeper Mark Smith has joined Hampton & Richmond Borough on a short-term loan deal.

Meanwhile, Chelsea Ladies star Ji So-Yun has been nominated for WSL1 players’ player of the year.

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