Jose Mourinho has confirmed top scorer Diego Costa will start against Paris Saint Germain tomorrow but is concerned his ban may have had a detrimental affect on his goal-scoring form.
Costa has not played for three weeks having been handed a three-game ban by the FA for treading on Emre Can during the Capital One Cup semi-final against Liverpool.
The Spain international is Chelsea’s top scorer with 17 this term, but Mourinho is clearly still annoyed that the club could pay another price for the FA’s disciplinary procedure against him.
He said: “Yes, I will start him, but I don't think it's good for a player to be three weeks, or three matches, without starting a game.
“So I don't think he's in the best of his condition. But, at the same time, Loic Remy and Didier Drogba have played in the last three matches.
“Obviously it’s important for them to have minutes and confidence. I know that I have them both ready for the game, too.”
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Mourinho has a selection dilemma on his hands in goal following Petr Cech’s superb performance against Everton last week.
Thibaut Courtois is still regarded as first choice keeper at Stamford Bridge, but was ‘rested’ due to concerns over fatigue.
Mourinho refused to guarantee the Belgium international will be recalled and added: “He (Courtois) doesn't know if he plays or not, so I can't tell you. He has to know from me, not from the media.
“But I repeat: Chelsea have the two best goalkeepers in the Premier League. For me, easy job. Easy job. I'm very happy with both.
“Every time one plays, the team are very confident because they know that, behind, they have a top goalkeeper. So easy for me. Petr can start again, but he doesn't know. Neither does. So I can't tell you.”
