Chelsea striker Diego Costa will be available for Sunday’s Premier League match against Hull City, a week after being left out amid reports of interest from Chinese clubs.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has also indicated that the Spanish forward will remain at Stamford Bridge sparking speculation that he is on the brink of signing a new deal.
“Diego is a good player and a good person and now he is only focused on Chelsea and playing for us,” Conte said at his pre-match press briefing today.
“The player wants to stay at Chelsea, he is very happy to play with us. I don’t see any problem.”
“I heard a lot of speculation about Diego, but the most important thing is that he has trained with us and he is available.”
Speaking on Diego Costa’s 100th appearance for the London club, he said, “It’s a great achievement and I hope to celebrate it with a win.”
“Diego is an important player for the team.”
Asked if Costa will start in the game against Hull City, he said: “I will see on Sunday,” he said.
“It’s my task to pick the best players game by game. If someone stays out it’s not for punishment. It’s a difficult decision.”
Conte also hinted that Nathan Ake whose loan deal to Bournemouth was cut will play some part in Chelsea’s premier league charge. “Ake is starting to understand his ideas and he is a great option to have in different positions,” he said.
He also said that Chelsea have received an offer for Asmir Begovic. “The club is evaluating it at the moment,” adding that, Begovic is an important player for the club.
