Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink has said that star striker Diego Costa is still in contention for the clash with Newcastle United, despite breaking his nose in training.
In the running
The Spaniard has been in hot form since the return of the Dutchman, with his latest strike coming last Sunday to save a point with the 1-1 draw against Manchester United.
However, his involvement against Steve McClaren’s side was thrown into doubt on Thursday when he suffered a broken nose in training.
The 27-year-old sustained the injury when he challenged for a header with an academy player ,who was brought in by Hiddink to train with the first-team, but the manager believes he could return to face the Magpies.
Hiddink told Sky Sports that it wasn’t a “tough duel” but was “very unlucky” as he put his nose into the back of the youngsters head.
He added that he returned on Friday as he “put on a mask” and was involved in “light training” on the afternoon and believes “he will be available” as it was a “small incident”.
High spirits
One player that wasn’t so lucky was defender Kurt Zouma, who underwent surgery on Wednesday after he picked up a long-term knee ligament injury in the stalemate with the Red Devils.
He said that it was a “tragedy”, in a period where he believes Zouma was “improving” and the missed opportunity to represent France at Euro 2016 was “tough for him”.
Zouma’s injury also led Hiddink to refuse to rule out Chelsea captain John Terry receiving a new contract, saying that they always said the “door was open”.
Tough test
The Dutchman has admitted that his team selection against the North-East club has been heavily influenced with a Champions League last-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain midweek and then a FA Cup tie with Manchester City next weekend.
Hiddink said that he is taking this match “very seriously” as they want to continue to “head up the table”.
Chelsea FC will host Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, February 13 with kick-off at 5:30PM BST.