Friday, 3 October 2014

Chelsea star Diego Costa fit to face Arsenal... as Wenger admits they wanted to sign him


JOSE MOURINHO insists he will unleash Diego Costa on Arsenal despite admitting the Spain striker is not fit enough to play three games in a week.


HITMAN: Diego Costa is ready to face Arsenal [AP]
Costa, who is carrying a hamstring injury, started last Saturday’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa, and again in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
But Mourinho claims Sunday’s clash with Arsenal is too big a game for him to miss, even though Costa could risk a more serious injury.
The Blues boss said: “If he can play three matches in a week - I think it's too much. But he is going to do that."
Costa was also called up yesterday by his country for their Euro 2016 qualifiers against Slovakia and Luxembourg next week, risking a club versus country row.
But Mourinho said: “I have no reaction, it's not a surprise, it's something I imagined would happen.
"I don't know how far away he is from being 100% fit. He can play against Arsenal.
"He had the game against Lisbon, there's been four days in between, so he will be in good condition for Arsenal.
"What happens during the 15 days he is away with Spain is something that is out of my hands."
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger today revealed he wanted to sign Costa this summer.
When asked whether he wanted to bring the on-fire frontman to the Emirates, he said: “Yes, but that was a deal that was struck early.
“Costa has done fantastically well, I must say. I am impressed by how well he has done.
“He has all the aspects of a striker that I like. He is focussed, always determined and ready for a fight.
“He has players like Cesc [Fabregas] who can always find him. He is a very efficient player, the timing of his runs and killing determination. You feel this guy is a killer and he has that in him."

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