Chelsea assess latest Costa injury worry

Chelsea are assessing the extent of Diego Costa’s latest hamstring problem.

The striker, signed from Atletico Madrid a year ago, managed a hamstring complaint for much of last season.

And he appeared to be in some discomfort as he was substituted during the second half of Chelsea’s pre-season friendly against Barcelona in Washington DC.

However, boss Jose Mourinho seemed optimistic that the injury will not prove to be significant.

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“Barcelona were not worried about winning or losing. They were training – the same as us.”
Jose Mourinho

“Diego felt a little thing in his hamstring,” said Mourinho, whose team face Arsenal in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday.

“We believe it is just a feeling, no more than that. But we have to wait.”

Gary Cahill, meanwhile, may have suffered broken a nose in the match at FedEx Field but is expected to be available for this weekend’s derby.

Chelsea went on to beat Barca on penalties after Cahill netted a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw – but the defender was accidentally whacked in the face by keeper Jordi Masip as he headed in following a free-kick by Willian.

Mourinho believes Cahill will be available for the Arsenal game – even if it means he has to wear a protective mask similar to the one his Blues team-mate Cesc Fabregas wore during the latter stages of last season.

He said: “Cahill has a chance of a broken nose. If not, perfect. If yes, he will get a mask to be ready for Sunday.”

Chelsea’s win meant they ended their North America trip on a high note.

But, just as he did after the defeat against New York Red Bulls and the penalties victory over Paris St-Germain, Mourinho played down the significance of the result.

“Barcelona were not worried about winning or losing,” he said.

“They were training – the same as us. It was two teams looking for the best intensity, the best form.”

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