Costa will be given ‘complete rest’
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has revealed that Diego Costa will have a period of absolute rest after this weekend’s match against Liverpool.
The striker will not even be required to report for treatment on a hamstring problem for a few days ahead of the Blues’ game against West Brom on 22 November.
Costa’s injury has been a worry since early in the season and Mourinho was annoyed that he was involved in matches for Spain last month despite concerns over his fitness.
“He will have 15 days to finally rest and work properly.”
Jose Mourinho
He has not been included in Spain’s squad for games against Belarus and Germany, at last giving Chelsea the kind of chance to give him a proper rest they have been hoping for.
And Mourinho, who insists he had no influence over the decision to omit Costa, says the club plan to take full advantage of the situation.
He explained: “The plan is immediately after the Liverpool match to have a period of complete rest – no training, no treatment, not even a massage on his muscle. Nothing – just let him rest a few days.
“After that, there is specific work he is doing and we don’t have another match to play, so it’s very good news for him.”
Costa missed four Chelsea matches and was also affected by an illness after recently playing for his country in games against Luxembourg and Slovakia.
Mourinho has attempted to rest him at times, including for this week’s Champions League game against Maribor.
“He was protected for the Champions League match but because the [half-time] result was not good, I couldn’t protect him and I had to play him for 45 minutes,” Mourinho said.
“As a consequence of the work we are doing with him, I think he’s ready to start the match against Liverpool.
“Then he will have 15 days to finally rest and work properly. It’s fantastic news.”
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