Guus Hiddink wary of overworking Chelsea forward Diego Costa
Friday 4 March 2016 19:58, UK
Guus Hiddink says he may have to put Diego Costa on a "leash" in order to keep the Chelsea forward in top condition.
Costa has rediscovered his best form under Hiddink, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists since the Dutchman replaced Jose Mourinho as Chelsea manager in December.
The Spain international has helped Chelsea surge up the Premier League table and the Blues currently sit in 10th place, just eight points off the top four.
Hiddink hinted he would make changes to Chelsea's starting line-up for Saturday's match against Stoke City, with the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain to come on Wednesday.
However, Hiddink confirmed Costa would start against the Potters and admitted it is hard to prevent the 27-year-old from playing in every single match.
"It's difficult to put a brake on him," Hiddink said. "Maybe he won't have a full game because we go also with the data of the medics and physiologists.
"He is in perfect physical shape, but we must be careful not to overload him in games. He is difficult to stop.
"He wants to play every game, but I must be careful with that. Tomorrow he will start. Who am I to stop this man? We must let him go, but sometimes I have to put on a leash."
