Diego Costa return crucial for Chelsea against Middlesbrough
Sunday 20 November 2016 16:01, UK
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.
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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.
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.
Watch Middlesbrough v Chelsea live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 3.30pm on Sunday.
