Chelsea
manager Jose Mourinho says striker Diego Costa is not a certain starter
against Stoke on Saturday.
Costa has recovered from a hamstring injury but Mourinho claims the Spain
international may not be ready for the leaders' Premier League match against
Mark Hughes' side at Stamford Bridge.
"Diego trained yesterday and today with the group," he said. "He's not
injured. I don't know if I start with him or not because, after a muscular
injury and two days with the group, I need to make a decision on him.
"Diego has dedicated himself to recovering, no days off and working hard. At
this moment, the muscle is fine."
Costa was absent for Spain's 1-0 European Qualifier win over Ukraine and the
2-0 friendly defeat to Netherlands, withdrawing from the squad after
suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury during Chelsea's 3-2 win at
Hull on March 22.
"Only Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and Thibaut Courtois played on Tuesday so
the accumulation of fatigue was not so dramatic," added Mourinho.
However, Mourinho did announce that midfielder John Obi Mikel will not be
involved against 10th-placed Stoke.
"We have no injuries but Mikel is not selected," said the Chelsea boss. "He
is fine, he is working all week with the group. But he's tired, he's very
tired."
Chelsea are six points clear of defending champions Manchester City with a
game in hand ahead of the Stoke game, and Mourinho spelled out exactly what
is required to secure the title.
"We need six victories and one draw from nine matches," he said. "It's a
good situation for us, one that every club would like to have. If we are
champions on the last day, I'm more than happy with that - I'm not thinking
about how or when."
Chelsea are unbeaten at home in 14 home Premier League games this season
and, on the threat to that record presented by Stoke, Mourinho said: "Stoke
are a difficult team, that's why they are where they are.
"They know each other very well and they are very stable."
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