Jose Mourinho grateful for Diego Costa's Spain absence

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes that striker Diego Costa will benefit from being left out of Spain's squad for their upcoming international fixtures.

Costa has been struggling with an ongoing hamstring problem since joining the Blues in the summer, and Mourinho, who will start the forward against Liverpool on Saturday, has revealed that the right decision has been made by the Spanish Football Association.

The 51-year-old told reporters: "We think that he is ready to start the match tomorrow.

"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.

"The plan is to have period of complete rest after the match for a few days, and after that, to continue the specific work he is doing without having a match to play on the weekend."

Costa has scored nine goals in 11 games in all competitions this season.