April 05, 2015 08:45:03 UK
Chelsea striker Diego Costa is expected to be sidelined for several weeks after suffering another hamstring problem shortly after coming on against Stoke City.
The Spain international, who has scored 19 goals in the Premier League this season, was a major doubt for the clash with the Potters at Stamford Bridge and lasted little more than ten minutes before being forced from the field.
He will be out for sure a couple of weeks.
Jose Mourinho
And, while Blues boss Jose Mourinho is not certain of the extent of the injury, he is expecting Costa to miss a number of games in the crucial title run-in.
He told reporters: “He will be out for sure a couple of weeks, but we have seven weeks until the end of the season. Seven weeks and eight matches. For sure, in half of it he has to be with us.
“I don’t say a gamble because we did every test, we did every scan. The player trained two days 100 per cent with the team, the medical department was convinced that he was ready.
“The player was convinced he was ready, not for 90 minutes, but he was ready to play and to help the team. Sometimes as a manager I have to risk things.
“All the scans two days ago, the muscle and image was completely clean.”
Costa can now be backed at 5.50 to be top goalscorer in the Premier League this season, with Tottenham star Harry Kane 1.80 and Manchester City frontman Sergio Aguero 2.75.
Next up for the Blues, who are seven points clear at the top of the table is a London derby away to Queens Park Rangers at lunchtime on Sunday 12th April.
Looking for a top tip this weekend? Head to the bet365 YouTube channel and get the views of Sam Matterface & our very own Steve Freeth in the latest bet365 Update.
Don’t forget, all Premier League matches are covered by the bet365 100% Euro Soccer Bonus, where you could earn a bonus of up to 100% on your returns on pre-match accumulator bets.
View all Soccer betting
