Chelsea Team News: Mourinho Confirms Injury Boost + Costa Update

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Oscar should be in contention to face Leicester on Wednesday night but hasn’t made a decision over Diego Costa’s involvement just yet.

Oscar was forced off at half-time during Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal after taking a blow to the face following a collision with goalkeeper David Ospina.

The Brazilian international was taken to hospital to undergo further tests for possible concussion but thankfully it seems he’s been given the all-clear as Mourinho revealed the playmaker slept at home on Sunday night.

The 23-year-old is expected to be in training today and will travel to Leicester on Wednesday but the Blues boss hasn’t decided whether he’ll start or not.

Mourinho told Sky Sports at his pre-match press conference this afternoon:

“Oscar left the hospital and stayed at home last night. He should be here today. Everybody will travel to Leicester.

“I really don’t know if he will definitely play. His face was swelling and we did not want to go for any risk [in the second half against Arsenal].

“I know that for me the most important thing is that last night he was not in hospital [overnight], he went to his house and slept at home.”

Oscar’s potential availability comes as a welcome boost as he filled-in up front during the first half at the Emirates yesterday and Mourinho’s hinted that he may give Diego Costa more time before recalling him to the first team.

Costa has missed the last three games after aggravating a long-standing hamstring injury and Mourinho has said he’s yet to decide whether to take a gamble with the Spaniard, but suggested that the strikers injury history may prevent him starting at the King Power on Wednesday.

When asked for an update on Costa, Mourinho continued:

“I have to think about if it deserves a gamble or we wait a few more days to be really sure.

“If he was playing without an injury history I would play him tomorrow, but because he is a player with injury history I have to think about it.”

Chelsea head into the game holding a ten-point advantage at the top of the Premier League table following Sunday’s draw at Arsenal so they can put themselves on the brink of reclaiming the title with victory on Wednesday.