José Mourinho last night confirmed that Diego Costa was taken to hospital with a rib injury suffered in Chelsea’s Capital One Cup loss at Stoke, leading to doubts over the forward’s fitness for Chelsea’s game at home to Liverpool.
Costa was forced off after just 32 minutes, following a collision with Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam, who was lucky to escape a red card after a crude challenge on Willian.
Costa appeared to be holding his lower rib area and was unable to continue despite the best efforts of Chelsea’s medical staff.
Asked in his post-match press conference whether his star striker will be available for Saturday’s game, Mourinho replied with an air of annoyance:
He is in the hospital – I don’t know. I think he punched himself!
Costa’s injury may provide Loic Remy with the chance to lead the line in what looks to be a crunch match with Liverpool.
The Frenchman replaced Diego Costa and scored in the 91st minute to send the tie into extra-time, with Chelsea eventually going out 5-4 on penalties after Jack Butland saved Eden Hazard’s spot-kick in sudden death.
