Diego Costa close to full recovery as Chelsea striker 'feels better everyday'

Spanish striker has seven goals in five matches since £32m move

Diego Costa (Getty Images)

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has revealed his hamstring issues are close to being over.

Jose Mourinho last week said that Costa could only play one game a week because of niggling injuries that stretch back to last season. Costa has been a revelation for top of the table Chelsea, scoring seven goals in five Premier League matches for the only undefeated team in the division.

Costa, who cost the Blues £32m, is now adamant that he is close to full fitness despite struggling in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City and missing the Capital One Cup clash with Bolton at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

"I am still carrying some hamstring discomfort, but every day I feel better. The truth is that over the past week I have worked fine," he told the IBTimes.

"I suffered an injury with Spain and could not play against Macedonia (two weeks ago). It was a shame but then during that week I was treated and could play [against Swansea).

"I'm working to get the best physical condition soon. The games we have now, almost every three days, will help me to get fit."

Costa’s scoring streak in the League came to an end in the 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Sunday.

Mourinho’s side could have moved eight points clear of the defending champions, but conceded a late equaliser from former midfielder Frank Lampard.

Costa still feels Chelsea have made a strong start in their pursuit of silverware and is determined to put the team before personal glory.

He added: "We played against a great team and we knew it would not be easy to win there. But as we were leading the game and got one more man, we thought the victory was near.

"But this is football. City are one of the best teams in the world and to get a point there is important. Hopefully we can win a title this season. That is our goal and I personally hope to continue scoring.

"I don't like to put a personal goal target. I can’t always score but the important thing is that the team did not lose. I always try to improve but the most important thing is that the team is playing well and if the team does well I am sure I will also do fine.”

Mourinho will choose between veteran Didier Drogba or £10.5m signing Loic Remy to start up front in Costa’s absence against Bolton at Stamford Bridge.

Costa believes all three of them have a vital role to play this term and said: "Didier and Remy are great strikers. Everyone knows Didier's story. We know that we must continue working. The important thing is to have a healthy competition to help the team to be better.

"I think there's a great atmosphere in the dressing room. No rivalry. We just fight to improve.

"Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas are great players. It is very easy to play with guys with such a talent. We understand each other very well."