Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has said striker Diego Costa will start against Liverpool in the Premier League at Anfield today despite being left out of the Spain squad for this month’s international matches because of persistent injuries.

Earlier yesterday, Costa was not selected in Spain’s squad for their matches against Belarus and World Cup winners Germany because of a pelvic injury.

Mourinho had been critical of Spain coach Vincent del Bosque’s decision to call Costa into his squad for last month’s games against Slovakia and Luxembourg because the Brazilian-born striker missed Chelsea’s next four matches as a result.

But speaking at a news conference yesterday, the Portuguese coach welcomed Spain’s decision to omit the striker and said he will start at Anfield today.

“We think he is ready to start the match tomorrow,” Mourinho told reporters.

“In the 15 days (international break) he can rest and work. It is fantastic news for us. I thank the Spain FA for the decision that they made.

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