Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says he'll play Diego Costa against Manchester City today.
The £32million summer signing from Atletico Madrid is not ready to play more than one game a week, according to Mourinho, after a hamstring problem recurred while on international duty earlier this month.
Asked if Costa was so important to Chelsea that Mourinho had to pick him, the Blues boss said "yes" before answering in the affirmative when asked if it was a risk.
"Diego is not in the best conditions, but he will start the game," said Mourinho, who reported no other injury problems.
"He plays this game, he cannot play against Bolton (in the Capital One Cup next Wednesday). It's as simple as that.
"I know clearly that we have to try to protect him until he gets completely fit."
