Sunday 21 September 2014 15:05, UK
Diego Costa will return up front for Chelsea against Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday as Jose Mourinho tries to manage the striker's fragile hamstrings
Mourinho opted to name the Spain striker, who has scored seven times in four Premier League matches this term, as a substitute in Wednesday night's 1-1 draw with Schalke in Champions League Group G.
The £32m summer signing from Atletico Madrid is not ready to play more than one game a week, according to Mourinho, after a hamstring problem recurred while on international duty earlier this month.
"Everybody's ready to play," Mourinho said.
"Diego is not in the best conditions, but he will start the game. He plays this game, he cannot play against Bolton. It's as simple as that.
"I know clearly that we have to try to protect him until he gets completely fit."
The City trip is the first of four key domestic fixtures in Champions League weeks for the Blues, who will hope to swiftly find a solution to Costa's niggle.
The trip to Sporting Lisbon is followed by a home clash with Arsenal, Manchester United away follows the Maribor home tie and a date at Liverpool is immediately after the trip to Slovenia.
"In this moment I don't have this problem," Mourinho said.
"He plays Sunday, doesn't play against Bolton (in the Capital One Cup next Wednesday). He plays against Aston Villa Saturday (September 27).
"In this moment decision made. Let's see his evolution, let's hope he comes in the right direction and becomes available to play every game."
Watch Chelsea’s showdown with Manchester City live on Sky Sports 1 on Sunday from 3.30pm
