The Dutchman has confirmed the Spain striker is fit to play despite suffering a facial injury in training but new signing Alexandre Pato is not yet ready to make his debut
Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has confirmed Diego Costa 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, Hiddink 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 FA Cup fifth round tie against Manchester City the following week.
“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 saw Kurt Zouma suffer a serious knee injury against Manchester United last time out and branded the setback “a sporting tragedy”. Jake Clarke-Salter, 18, has been drafted into first-team training and could be included in Saturday's match day squad.
“It gives other people the chance to step up..... We have no fear of bringing youngsters in,” Hiddink added.
- Goal