Mourinho Offers Costa Injury Update After Striker Picks Up Leg Knock

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is confident star striker Diego Costa will be fit to face Sunderland this weekend despite being forced off against Schalke last night.

Costa started up front against the Germans on Tuesday night and although he failed to find the target himself, the Spaniard put in another impressive shift before being forced off midway through the second half.

Many assumed Mourinho was giving the 26-year-old a breather as Chelsea were already well in command of the game at that point. However, the Portuguese coach revealed in his post match press conference that Costa had in fact picked up a leg injury.

The good news is that the Blues boss believes the issue to be a minor one and expects him to recover in time to make the trip to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland on Saturday evening.

Mourinho told reporters:

‘He (Costa) took a knock. In his leg, I don’t know (what it was exactly). I wasn’t so worried at the time. He will be ready for Saturday.’ Mourinho is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail

Obviously this will come as a huge relief as another injury to Costa is the last thing Chelsea will want at this time as they are firing on all cylinders at present.

The striker has enjoyed an excellent start to life at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Atletico Madrid despite struggling with hamstring and groin injuries in recent weeks.

Mourinho declared Costa to be fully-fit after having a two-week break following his admission from the Spain squad for their recent international’s, so it would have been a blow had the Brazilian-born hitman picked up a fresh knock.

Chelsea ran out resounding 5-0 winners last night with John Terry, Willian, Didier Drogba and Ramires all among the goals. The result booked their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League and ensures the West Londoners will finish top of group G, which should lead to an easier draw in the next phase.