Publications
Partners
London - Diego Costa will try to silence the growing criticism of his poor form after the troubled Chelsea striker dominated the build-up to Bournemouth's visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
After his reaction to being dropped overshadowed Chelsea's draw at Tottenham last weekend, Costa appeared to be heading for more controversy when the Spain star was photographed leaving a London nightclub along with team-mates Kenedy and Ramires in the early hours of Thursday morning.
However, Blues boss Jose Mourinho had given his approval for the players to go out for their Christmas party and Costa was in shape to train nine hours later with the rest of the squad.
Mourinho will hope the night out helps lift his players, and Costa in particular, as they attempt to move away from the lower reaches of the Premier League table.
His decision to leave Costa on the bench against Tottenham prompted a show of indignation from the forward, who at one stage appeared to toss his training bib in the direction of the manager.
Mourinho dismissed that incident but his assessment of his side's display in securing a scoreless draw was their "best team performance of the season" was telling.
It now remains to be seen whether Costa will be recalled for the meeting with a Bournemouth side who are struggling to establish themselves in the top tier following their promotion from the Championship last season.
Costa was the match-winner in the last home game against Norwich and this fixture calls for a more attacking approach than facing in-form Tottenham, which suggests he is likely to be recalled.
Mourinho is confident his side are now moving in the right direction after recording three successive clean-sheets since the last international break.
The reigning champions desperately need a victory, though, after a dismal run that has left them in 14th place, just five points above Bournemouth who occupy the third relegation place.
