Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has confirmed Diego Costa has suffered a broken nose in training on Thursday but will be available to face Newcastle.
The striker has found the net six times in his last seven Premier League outings and has recaptured some of his best form under the Dutch interim manager and would have been a significant absentee had he not been deemed fit.
"Costa broke his nose in a duel with one of the other players. He will wear a mask. We are a Zorro team," Hiddink told reporters, referring to facial injuries already picked up by Nemanja Matic and Cesar Azpilicueta this season.
“It was a small incident but it's a very fragile area.”
Meanwhile, the boss also confirmed that Alexandre Pato will not be available in time to play at the weekend, but is hopeful the Brazil international could play in their subsequent league outing.
“He's in the second week of his pre-season and he's doing well, won't be ready for Newcastle, possibility for Manchester City,” he confirmed.
Hiddink, who saw Kurt Zouma suffer a serious knee injury against Manchester United last time out, has called Jake Clarke-Salter into first-team training and has indicated there is no fear of throwing such players into action.
“It gives other people the chance to step up..... We have no fear of bringing youngsters in,” he said.
More to follow...
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