‘Difficult to put a brake’ on Costa – Hiddink

Guus Hiddink has admitted it is “difficult to put a brake” on Diego Costa and says the in-form striker will start against Stoke City on Saturday.

Costa has eight goals in his last 10 Premier League matches and started in Chelsea’s win over Norwich in midweek.

And, despite the Blues having crucial cup matches against Paris St-Germain and Everton next week, the Spain international is eager to play against the Potters.

Hiddink said: “Tomorrow he will start. Who am I to stop this man?

“It is difficult to put a brake on him. Maybe he will not have a full game. We must be careful not to give him an overload in games but he is difficult to stop him.”

The Chelsea boss previously said he might look to rest the Spain forward during a busy and vital period.

“He wants to play every game but I must be careful with that,” Hiddink added. “We are living in an emotional world but sometimes you can be rational as well.

“His physical state his superb but there is always a danger of going over. We must let him go but sometimes I have to put on the leash.”