Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been ruled out of the club's Premier League fixture with Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.

Costa has been struggling with a thigh problem since the 2-1 win over Stoke City last month, and although he is nearing full fitness, manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that he won't risk the Spanish international this weekend.

The 52-year-old told reporters: "It isn't worth the risk. If we lose a game and we don't want to lose the second, he would be back for the second.

"We are trying to give him the maximum stability to be stronger. Remy is back. If we don't win Sunday, he plays against Liverpool."

Chelsea will win the league title if they can record three points over Palace at Stamford Bridge.

Written by
Darren Plant