Chelsea's Antonio Conte plays down Diego Costa injury fears after 3-0 win over Leicester City - He is in good shape

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Vaishali Bhardwaj15 October 2016

Antonio Conte has played down fears Diego Costa may have picked up an injury in Chelsea's 3-0 win over Leicester City on Saturday, confirming the striker "is in good shape".

Costa handed the Blues an early lead in the Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge after firing past Kasper Schmeichel in the seventh minute to record his seventh goal this season - the highest in the top flight so far this term.

After Eden Hazard then added to the Brazilian's strike later in the first half, there were questions about whether Conte would bring Costa off due to the fact he was one booking away from being suspended for Chelsea's next league game against Jose Mourinho's Manchester United side and the fact he appeared to pull up with a hamstring issue.

The 28-year-old even seemed to signal to the Chelsea bench about wanting to come off, but was instead left on as the Blues ran out 3-0 winners.

After the game, Conte confirmed Costa did not pick up an injury against Leicester but admitted he had taken a risk by leaving the striker on for the full 90 minutes.

"If I can, I will keep him on until the end because he is an important player," Conte said. "I know I risked it today because if Costa took another yellow card he would miss the next game.

"He is patient and important for the team. He must transfer this in every game."

When then asked about being in control of susbtitutions despite pressure from players, Conte added: "I decide every situation. Always I take the responsibility. It is always my decision about substitutions.

"I think Diego is in good shape."

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