• Premier League

Costa: I'm fit to start against Arsenal

Diego Costa says he is fit to start for Chelsea against Arsenal in Sunday's Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho suggested he was risking Costa's availability for the Arsenal game by starting him in Chelsea's 2-1 Champions League win at Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday.

However, Costa told reporters: "Of course I will play against Arsenal. I am certain. I played 90 minutes [in Lisbon] and now I can have a rest. I do not see a problem.

Jose Mourinho admitted he took a gamble by starting Diego Costa in Lisbon © Getty Images

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"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."

Chelsea could move nine points clear of Arsenal with victory on Sunday, with Costa looking to add to his eight goals in six Premier League appearances.

Costa's electric start in England is all the more remarkable given he has been suffering from ongoing hamstring issues since the back-end of last season, before his £32 million move from Atletico Madrid.

Mourinho even remarked last month that Costa could do "almost nothing" in training with Chelsea's medical team struggling to get him fit for successive matches.

He withdrew from Spain's squad for their most recent Euro 2016 qualifier against Macedonia last month and is risking another club-versus-country row with Mourinho after declaring himself fit for the upcoming matches against Slovakia and Luxembourg.

"Yes, there are days when I do not train so I can prevent problems, but there are other days when I can train," Costa added. "It is a matter of communication between me and the medical staff to find the best way possible to move forward and get over the problem.

"Ideally you would be training every day but there have been many times when I have not, more as a precaution than anything, but things are improving.

"Normally I try to forget it during the games so it does not inhibit my performance. It does not enter my head. You are just thinking about playing in the best way, not worrying about what might happen.

"To play 90 minutes suggests I am okay. Every time I play I feel better. The manager asks me regularly how I am to make sure I am in the best possible shape. I will keep working to return to complete fitness."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd