Jose Mourinho: 'I will protect Diego Costa'

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that he will try to protect the fitness of Diego Costa during the final weeks of the season.

Costa has been suffering with a thigh injury picked up against Stoke City at the start of April, and although the Spanish international has recovered, Mourinho has hinted that he could remain sidelined for the visit of Liverpool on Sunday.

The 52-year-old told reporters: "Diego Costa wants to play, but I will protect him all the way. We need to find a balance between the risk and the desire."

Costa has scored 19 goals in 35 games since moving to Stamford Bridge last summer.