Diego Costa will oust Didier Drogba out of the starting line-up for Chelsea’s trip to Newcastle United despite the Ivorian’s midweek exploits in the win over Tottenham.
Costa was ruled out of Wednesday night’s 3-0 victory over Spurs through suspension and Jose Mourinho called on club legend Drogba to fill the void at Stamford Bridge.
He repaid the Special One’s faith with a goal and a star performance up front but Costa is available for Saturday and will be thrown straight back into the breach.
Nemanja Matic will miss out though after picking up his fifth booking of the campaign against Mauricio Pochettino’s men and Mourinho says the player deserves a break.
Mourinho said: "Diego was also important for us and he didn't play and we didn't want to speak about it. This time, a big player for us is not playing but we trust other people and we forget Matic, who has a little bit of a holiday - a free weekend he deserves very much. He'll be back stronger."
Chelsea can set a new club record of 24 matches unbeaten if they can avoid defeat at St James’ Park, however Mourinho is not interested in such milestones.
He added: “I'm not looking for records. I'm looking for points. Victories and points. And, if possible, at the end of the season, titles. I'm not looking for records. It would be a consequence of that, but I'm not worried about that. We just want to win games and gain points. The only thing that matters for me in the Premier League is that I won the title twice. That's the only thing that matters to me.”
Follow all the build-up, matchday action and post-game reaction from Newcastle United V Chelsea right here on GetWestLondon.
