Jose Mourinho Offers Injury Update On Key Duo Ahead Of Arsenal Clash

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has offered an injury update on Diego Costa and Gary Cahill ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Arsenal.

The pair both picked up injuries during last night’s 2-2 draw with Barcelona in Washington DC and are now considered doubts to face the Gunners this weekend.

Costa started up front against the European champions in their final match of their pre-season tour of the United States but was forced off just after the hour mark with yet another hamstring injury.

Cahill then suffered a suspected broken nose after being caught by Barca goalkeeper Jordi Masip as he headed home an 85th minute equaliser for the Premier League champions.

Speaking to Chelseafc.com after the game – which Chelsea won 4-2 on penalties – Mourinho confirmed that Cahill may have broken his nose but could still take on Arsenal wearing a face mask while the Blues boss is hopeful Costa’s latest set-back is just a minor one.

Jose told the clubs website:

‘ Cahill has a chance of a broken nose, maybe yes, maybe no. If no, perfect. If yes, he will get a mask tomorrow to be ready for Sunday!

‘Diego felt a little thing in his hamstring. We believe it is just a feeling, no more than that, but we have to wait.’

Cahill should be passed fit to play on Sunday as long as he can get a face mask fitted in time if his broken nose is confirmed but I’d be surprised if Mourinho gambles on Costa’s fitness.

The Spanish international was plagued by hamstring trouble all last season so the last thing Chelsea need is him aggravating the problem further by playing in the Community Shield.

Both Chelsea and Arsenal have enjoyed positive pre-seasons but there is no love-loss between Mourinho and Arsene Wenger so they’ll both be looking to inflict an early physiological blow with victory on Sunday.