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The Brazil-born Spaniard featured heavily for Spain against Slovakia and Luxembourg over the international break and is now racing to be fit to face the Eagles

international break and is now racing to be fit to face the Eagles

Jose Mourinho has revealed Diego Costa is a big doubt for Chelsea's trip to face Crystal Palace on Saturday after his exertions for Spain during the international break.

The Brazilian-born forward was one of three Blues players who linked up with La Roja, and, despite returning ahead of schedule, is facing a race against time to be fit for the trip to Selhurst Park - a ground where Chelsea lost last season.

After reeling off a list of his casualties, Mourinho was asked if Costa was a big doubt for Saturday and replied: "Yes."

He added: "The Spanish team played in Luxembourg on Sunday. I gave them Diego, [Cesc] Fabregas and Azpi [Cesar Azpilicueta] two days off [Monday and Tuesday], so they had to report Wednesday at 3pm. Diego was here Monday at 9am. That shows you how strong he is."

When asked if Costa had been forced to return early for medical treatment, Mourinho replied: "No comment."

The Portuguese stopped short of attacking Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque for selecting Costa against Slovakia and Luxembourg, but continued: "They [national coaches] have the power. We don’t have the power."

Costa has made a blistering start to life in the Premier League since his move from Atletico Madrid in the summer, scoring nine goals in his first seven matches.