Antonio Conte has confirmed Diego Costa is available for this weekend’s clash with Hull City and stated his isolation early this week was fitness related and not a punishment.

Last week the striker reportedly tried to manufacture a move away from Stamford Bridge after it was believed a big money offer from China was put on the table.

Costa subsequently was left out of their trip to Leicester City last weekend but the club said that was due to a back problem and not to do with his attitude.

The Spaniard was seen training alone on Sunday and Monday but Conte said this was part of his rehabilitation with a fitness coach and he re-joined the squad on Tuesday once he was able to participate in full training.

Antonio Conte said Costa's isolation was due to injury

The Italian said: “Yes, he is available for the game against Hull City. He has started to train on Tuesday with the rest of the team and we trained well.

“Sunday and Monday he trained by himself because he trained with a fitness coach and not alone.

"It is important to know this because on Sunday and Monday he trained well and was preparing to come back on Tuesday, only to prepare his body to have a good session.”

Conte has said he had his weekly chats with all his players and saw nothing untoward about Costa as he looks to embed him back into the first-team picture after a week away.

Diego Costa celebrates scoring the opening goal with his team mate Cesc Fabregas

Whilst not confirming the former Atletico Madrid man would start on Sunday, he did insinuate that when Costa is available and in good form the Premier League’s joint top scorer will feature.

He added: “Usually every week I chat with my player, a simple chat together.

"This week I have different chats with my players.

"I think the player wants to stay and is happy to play with us and this idea is far in his mind.

"He’s happy to stay here and this is the most important thing for us.

“Diego is an important player for us, we all know this. When he stays in good form he always plays with me.”

Chelsea could have their lead cut down to four points by the time they kick off on Sunday afternoon with all their title rivals playing before the Blues round off the weekend’s fixtures at Stamford Bridge.

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