Spain leave out Chelsea striker Costa
Diego Costa has not been included Spain’s squad for their forthcoming international matches.
The Chelsea striker has been managing an ongoing hamstring problem and Blues boss Jose Mourinho was unhappy after Costa recently played in two matches for his country despite concerns over his fitness.
He missed four games for Chelsea and was also affected by an illness after featuring for Spain in Euro 2016 qualifiers against Luxembourg and Slovakia.
“I am pleased but I want to make it clear I did nothing for that to happen.”
Jose Mourinho
That riled Mourinho, who has reiterated that he has no power to prevent Costa being called up.
But the 26-year-old will not be involved in Spain’s matches against Belarus and Germany, giving him what Chelsea regard as a much needed rest.
Mourinho welcomed the news but insisted the omission was not the result of an intervention by him.
“I am pleased but I want to make it clear I did nothing for that to happen,” Mourinho said.
“It is very good news for him, for us and the national team. It is good for the Spanish team to have a good Diego and not a so-so Diego.”
Costa made a major impact following his arrival at Stamford Bridge from Atletico Madrid, scoring nine goals in his first seven Premier League appearances.
Meanwhile, Loic Remy has been passed fit to return for Saturday’s game against Liverpool at Anfield, where Costa will start up front.
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