Blues wait on Costa

Striker Diego Costa and his troublesome hamstring was the only concern for Chelsea ahead of the Champions League Group G clash with Sporting Lisbon.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho was hoping to start the striker in Portugal, but it was all dependent on Costa’s recovery after his eighth goal in six Premier League games against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Brazil midfielder Ramires (abductor muscle) is out for at least another week.

Provisional squad: Courtois, Cech, Ivanovic, Luis, Fabregas, Zouma, Ake, Oscar, Hazard, Drogba, Mikel, Schurrle, Salah, Remy, Costa, Matic, Willian, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Boga, Baker, Beeney.