Chelsea Team News: Mourinho Confirms Injury Boost & Costa Could Yet Face Liverpool

Chelsea will look to secure the Premier League title when they entertain Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

Ahead of the game, Jose Mourinho has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this afternoon and gave reporters a team news and injury update.

He was predictably asked for the latest on the fitness of star striker Diego Costa and the Blues boss confirmed that he won’t be considered for selection this weekend.

Mourinho insists the Spaniard hasn’t suffered a set-back, he just doesn’t want to take a risk with him, but should Chelsea fail to beat Palace on Sunday then he’ll recall the 26-year-old for next weeks clash against Liverpool.

However, should the league leaders wrap-up the title on Sunday, then Mourinho has hinted that he may give Costa the rest of the season to recuperate.

There was also some positive news on Loic Remy as the French international is back in contention after missing the last four games with a calf injury.

Mourinho told reporters today:

‘He [Costa] is out. He is not worth the risk. We do not need to rush. We try to give him maximum stability to be stronger. [Loic] Remy is definitely back.

‘There’s a chance he [Costa] might not play again this season. If we win on Sunday I would say he doesn’t play against Liverpool [on May 10].

‘If we don’t win on Sunday and we need points against Liverpool I would say he plays against Liverpool.

‘I wouldn’t say he needs a long break but a good period of work. We are preparing a good working situation for him in the holiday period.’

In the absence of Costa, Didier Drogba has lead the line up front in recent weeks but the Ivory Coast international could now be given a breather with Remy back in contention.

Mourinho also confirmed to the media that he has made a decision over who will start in goal on Sunday after Thibaut Courtois was left out against Leicester in midweek with a minor hip injury, but he refused to reveal which of his keepers will face Palace.

Chelsea head into the weekend sitting 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League table so can wrap-up the Premier League title with victory on Sunday.