Chelsea striker Diego Costa has confirmed he will be fit to start against Arsenal in Sunday's Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.
Blues boss Jose Mourinho suggested he was taking a gamble by playing Costa from the start in a 1-0 win vs. Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Tuesday, as it may mean he would not be fit for the match against the Gunners.
Yet Costa has denied those fears and insisted he will be ready to play against Arsenal on a day when Chelsea could move nine points clear of their London rivals just seven games into this season.
"Of course I will play against Arsenal. I am certain," Costa told reporters. "I played 90 minutes [in Lisbon] and now I can have a rest. I do not see a problem.
"There are a few niggles that are annoying me, but I am working to treat them during the week with the physios and the medical staff. Every day I feel closer.
"Yes, there are days when I do not train so I can prevent problems, but there are other days when I can train. It is a matter of communication between me and the medical staff to find the best way possible to move forward and get over the problem.
"Ideally you would be training every day but there have been many times when I have not, more as a precaution than anything, but things are improving.
"Normally I try to forget it during the games so it does not inhibit my performance. It does not enter my head. You are just thinking about playing in the best way, not worrying about what might happen.
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"To play 90 minutes suggests I am okay. Every time I play I feel better. The manager asks me regularly how I am to make sure I am in the best possible shape. I will keep working to return to complete fitness.
Costa went on to confirm he respects the threat Arsenal pose to Chelsea's status as Premier League title favourites and looks forward to this weekend's vital game.
"They are a great team," he added. "Everyone knows their strengths and how important they are, but hopefully with our strengths we can do something positive."