The last time Chelsea striker Diego Costa jetted off to join the Spanish national team after receiving a call-up, the player pulled out and returned to London with an injury.
Thus, there are many reasons why Jose Mourinho might be worried to see his star attacker play for La Furia Roja in their Euro 2016 qualifiers clash with Slovakia this Thursday, as the Portuguese manager looks to preserve the former Atletico Madrid ace's fitness in order to maintain the Blues' title push
With the Enligsh Premier league heading into an international break, many believe a tug-of-war over the 25-year-old is set to commence between the Blues boss and the 2010 World Cup-winning coach Vicente del Bosque.
However, according to the player, Mourinho has vented no worries over Costa's national team call-up, with the Chelsea striker stressing he makes the call whether to play for Spain or not.
"I've played three matches in the last week,” said Costa. “The coach knows the score and that I've had some niggles, which I receive treatment for during the week. I'm hanging in there and am feeling better and better."
"Mourinho hasn't said anything to me. You have to bear in mind that often I'm the one that makes the decision. I have to see how I'm feeling; I have the trust of the gaffer and the coaching staff here. When I have a problem, I say as much. I wouldn't come here and play if I were injured because that would make things worse."
When discussing possibly burning out himself, the Brazilian-born forward confessed to it being a plausible outcome, admitting:
"That can be a risk sometimes, like the last time when I pulled out of the Spain squad because I had a knock. I almost missed the next match and what do you know? I scored a hat-trick. Football is funny like that."
Diego Costa claims Mourinho has expressed no worries over his Spanish national team call-up
The 26-year-old striker looks to feature for La Furia Roja in their next two fixtures against Slovakia and Luxembourg, but argues he will not play if he is injured
Costa scored a fine goal in Chelsea 2-0 win over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge last Sunday, in a match which saw Arsene Wenger shove Jose Mourinho in a heated touchline clash. However, Costa doesn't believe Le Prof's actions will linger too long on the former Real Madrid coach's mind.
"He [Mou] was fine afterwards. I don't think Wenger did any lasting damage!"
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