Costa in line to return against QPR - Mourinho

The Spain international has been troubled by fitness issues throughout his impressive first season at Stamford Bridge but his manager hopes to field him again on Saturday

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho expects to have Diego Costa and Ramires back for his side's match against QPR on Saturday.

The €42 million striker has been unavailable for the Blues since returning from Spain duty after the international break, while his immediate backup, Loic Remy, has been sidelined with a groin injury.

Veteran Didier Drogba has played every minute up front since Remy's withdrawal early in their Champions League victory over Maribor on October 21, including two games in three days on Sunday and Tuesday, scoring three times in that period.

But Mourinho told reporters that Costa, along with the midfielder, should "normally" be fit for Saturday.

Since joining from Atletico Madrid this summer, Costa has scored nine goals in nine games for the Blues, firing them to a dominant position at the top of the Premier League table.

Brazil international Ramires, meanwhile, has been absent since picking up a muscle injury during Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Manchester City on September 21.

Epl 01:18