Mourinho: Costa WILL return for Chelsea this term (but will miss QPR, Arsenal and Man Utd)

JOSE MOURINHO insists that Diego Costa will be back playing for Chelsea before the end of the season.

Diego CostaGETTY

Diego Costa could be back to face Leicester

The Spanish striker has been sidelined by a hamstring problem, but Mourinho swatted away talk that he may not play again this season.

Costa will miss the match with QPR this Sunday and has also been ruled out for the clashes against Arsenal and Manchester United.

But Mourinho is hopeful that the striker could return to face Leicester on 29 April in a best case scenario.

Asked whether he will feature again before the summer, Mourinho said: “I’m certain, I’m sure.

“I think we have eight matches to play, if he plays four it’s normal.

“If he plays three it’s a little bit below what I am expecting.

“If he plays five it is more than I am expecting.”

QPR v Chelsea - Premier League Preview

I think we have eight matches to play, if he plays four it’s normal.

Jose Mourinho

Asked if he was worried about Costa's long-term fitness, Mourinho added: "I’m not concerned.

"At this moment I’m not going to think about it. Until he is ready to play I am not going to think about it. That’s how I approach things.

"You never listen to crying because a player is injured. It’s part of the game."

Mourinho also said that Costa in the only injury concern he is currently dealing with, although Cesc Fabregas will wear a mask against the ‘Rs after breaking his nose against Stoke.

He added: “Only Diego is injured. Everybody else is fine and ready. Mikel ready, Fabregas with a mask but ready too. No problems.”

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