Chelsea
are hoping to have Diego Costa available for their clash at Middlesbrough on
Super Sunday after he was forced to pull out of the Spain squad
during the international break.
The striker was sent home early by Spain coach Julen Lopetegui after
aggravating a groin injury he picked up during Chelsea's 5-0 thrashing of
Everton before the international break.
It caused him to miss Spain's friendly with England, and it's a potential
headache for manager Antonio Conte, who has steered the Blues from eighth
place to second in the Premier League table with a run of five consecutive
victories.
Costa has been a key figure throughout the season, starting every one of
Chelsea's 11 Premier League games and topping the scoring charts with nine
goals.
What's more, the stats show Chelsea have a far better Premier League record
with Costa in the team than without him.
In the 65 games he has started since joining Chelsea in 2014, the Blues have
a win rate of 56.9 per cent compared to 40.9 per cent in 22 games when he
has not featured.
Chelsea with and without Diego Costa (Premier League games since
2014/15)
With Costa
Stat
Without Costa
65
Games
22
37
Wins
9
13
Draws
11
15
Losses
2
129
Goals scored 29
2.0
Average goals scored 1.3
77
Goals conceded 17
1.2
Average goals against
0.8
56.9%
Win percentage 40.9%
They also score more freely with Costa in the team, averaging two goals per
game compared to just 1.3 per game without him.
Costa's absence would open the door to summer signing Michy Batshuayi. The
Belgium international has been limited to eight substitute appearances in
the Premier League, scoring his only goal in a 2-1 win over Watford back in
August.
Batshuayi would be eager to add to his tally against Middlesbrough, but the
former Marseille striker is still finding his feet in the Premier League and
the stats show why Costa is the main man.
Chelsea will be hoping he is fit and firing on
Super Sunday.
History suggests his return would increase their chances of notching up a
sixth consecutive Premier League win.
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