Chelsea boss Antonio Conte 'to make late call on Diego Costa fitness'

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte will reportedly leave it until the last minute to make a decision on whether or not Diego Costa will be fit for Sunday's Premier League match against Middlesbrough.

The 28-year-old withdrew from the Spain squad earlier this week after failing to recover from a groin injury that he suffered in Chelsea's 5-0 thumping of Everton almost a fortnight ago.

According to The Express, Conte is planning to leave it as late as possible to make a decision on Costa, who is being assessed by Chelsea's medical team.

If the striker is deemed unfit for the match, Michy Batshuayi is likely to take the spot up front.