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Chelsea Striker Remains A Doubt

There were no clues at today's press conference as to whether Diego Costa would be ready to face the Swans in tomorrow's season opener at Stamford Bridge with Jose Mourinho still playing his cards close to his chest.

There has been some speculation for over a week over the fitness of Chelsea's top scorer from last year and there is a widespread belief that he will miss the first game of the season leaving either Remy or Falcao to lead the line for the home side.

But there is also a possibility that it is nothing more than mind games and even Garry Monk has suggested that Chelsea have form for this type of story only then to find that the player hits fitness in time for his name to be included on the team sheet.

So it will definitely be interesting to see what happens when the team sheet is confirmed tomorrow as to whether Costa has any part to play in the game.

"I don’t know if Diego will train,’ said Mourinho, who was then queried about whether that was a problem.

"I have Loic Remy and Falcao and I will go with them like I have done in other matches; and like I did last season many times with Remy and [Didier] Drogba. Three is the perfect number, and we have three.

"Obviously Diego’s a top striker and everybody wants top strikers. He’s such an important player for us not just for the goals he scores but also for the football he produces and the mentality he helps create in the team.

‘" think he is going to train with the team [today]. His reaction after that and his decision to be confident to play is another story.


"There is nobody to blame. I can’t blame the player because he works hard. I completely trust the medical department. I am calm, positive, and I believe he will be with us for many matches.

"I prefer a top player like him who makes a real difference when he is ready than to have a player who is always available who is just a bit better than myself."


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