Chelsea Dealt Blow As Key Man Struggles With Groin Injury

Chelsea are sweating over the fitness of Diego Costa with the striker struggling to shake off a groin injury while away with the Spanish national team, according to the Mirror.

Costa scored and completed the full ninety minutes as Chelsea thrashed Everton 5-0 last weekend but the striker picked up a groin injury during the game at Stamford Bridge.

The 28-year-old was allowed to link-up with the Spanish squad in Madrid earlier this week ahead of their upcoming double-header against Macedonia and England and immediately underwent tests to determine the full extent of his injury.

The former Atletico Madrid hitman has been unable to train so far this week and is now almost certain to miss Spain’s World Cup qualifier against Macedonia on Saturday night after failing to respond to treatment.

Boss Julen Lopetegui has admitted the injury isn’t healing as quickly as they had hoped so Costa is also considered a doubt for next Tuesday’s friendly with England at Wembley.

“The evolution of his [Costa] injury hasn’t been as hoped,” Lopetegui is quoted as saying by the Mirror.

Costa has been allowed to remain with the Spain squad but if the injury doesn’t start to show signs of progress over the coming days then the striker is likely to be released from international duty and head back to West London for further assessment.

The news will come as a concern to Blues boss Antonio Conte as Costa has been in superb form so far this season with the Spaniard scoring 9 goals and setting up a further 3 for his team mates in his 11 Premier League appearances.

Therefore, Chelsea will be hoping Costa is passed fit for the trip to Middlesbrough immediately after the international break and be available for the subsequent crunch games against Tottenham and Manchester City.