Chelsea Gets Positive Injury Update Ahead Of Arsenal Clash

Chelsea star Diego Costa has declared himself fit to play in the crucial lunch-time super Sunday London derby against Arsenal. There have been persistent questions over the striker’s fitness since his £32m move to Chelsea in the summer from Spanish side Atletico Madrid.

After playing 81minutes in Chelsea’s 3:0 win over Aston Villa, Mourinho spread further fear about the fitness of the English Premier League leading goal scorer. Mourinho had declared that the 25-year-old is not able to train well after each match and thus is not able to play matches in quick succession. Mourinho also declared that playing Costa in the Champions league match against Sporting CP is a risk which he is ready to take.

“There is a risk, yes. But we assume the risk and he plays. I don’t rest people. I make decisions. I don’t think about Arsenal on Sunday. I think about Sporting. I’m going to start with the team I think is the best team.” Said Mourinho.

But after coming through the entire duration of the Sporting Lisbon match unscathed, Diego Costa has Declared himself fit to face Arsenal come Sunday hence, quelling any fear to his fitness.

“Of course I will play against Arsenal. I am certain,” said Costa.

“I played 90 minutes [against Sporting Lisbon] and now I can have a rest. I do not see a problem.” – Diego Costa

He also spoke about what his situation has been like with the physios.

“There are a few niggles that are annoying me, but I am working to treat them during the week with the physios and the medical staff. Every day I feel closer.”

Diego Costa has been struggling with this niggling tight hamstring while playing for Atletico Madrid during the run-in to the Spanish La Liga title. He was rushed back by coach Diego Simeone to play Barcelona in the penultimate game of the Spanish La Liga and Real Madrid in the Champions league final. Each time he comes off the worst as he was substituted just minutes into each of the games. His subsiquent inclusion in the Spain’s national team for the FIFA world cup means he he has to play through the pains as he was heavily relied upon by coach Vicente Del Bosque to deliver the goals. This however, did not work out as the La Furia Roja were bundled out of the world cup at the first time of asking.

The same tight hamstring has continued to mar his early days at Chelsea albeit it has not stopped him from getting on the score sheet when he gets to play. Chelsea manager alongside the physios have found a way of managing him through games. He has started all of Chelsea’s league game so far and the champions league match against Sporting CP scoring eight goals in the process. Though he missed his side’s capital one cup clash with Bolton Wanderers and started from the bench against Schalke04 in the day one of the Uefa champions league match.

His declaration of his fitness and readiness to play against Arsenal is an indication that he is nearing full fitness as this is the first time he will be playing three consecutive matches within the space of eight days in a Chelsea shirt. His declaration wouldn’t have come in a better time than now as the club want all of their best players to be fit especially going into a game with an Arsenal side who are in high spirit after their 4-1 win against a hapless Galatasaray in the champions league.

Article by Kc Emmanuels