Jose Mourinho’s latest fitness report on Diego Costa has not only all but ruled Chelsea’s main striker out of Tuesday’s Champions League game against Maribor but also gives him “very little” chance of playing at Manchester United on Sunday.

Costa’s ongoing hamstring problem kept him out of Saturday’s trip to Selhurst Park, and led to Mourinho making pointed jibes about how Spain used the 26-year-old for “big games” against Slovakia and Luxembourg “and he came back in a condition where he’s not available for his club”.

The Chelsea manager said Costa had “little, very little [chance],” of playing against United. “I say Maribor, no chance; Man United, very little – but very little,” he said.

Costa has defied such expectations before, however, and Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace was Chelsea’s first Premier League match this season in which the Spaniard did not start.

But Mourinho praised the side for overcoming the absence of a striker already seen as indispensable in a hard-fought game, in which Oscar and Cesc Fabregas scored for Chelsea and both Cesar Azpilicueta and the Palace defender Damien Delaney were sent off.

“It was good for the group to have an important victory without one player that till this moment has scored so many goals and given us so many points,” Mourinho said.

Chelsea - the latest match pictures Show all 166 1 /166 Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea - the latest match pictures Arsenal 0 Chelsea 0 Jose Mourinho watches on as Chelsea edged closer to the title. Getty Chelsea - the latest match pictures Arsenal 0 Chelsea 0 Cesc Fabregas, returning to Arsenal, was booked for a dive. Getty Chelsea - the latest match pictures Arsenal 0 Chelsea 0 Oscar was victim of an unsavoury challenge with David Ospina. GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Arsenal 0 Chelsea 0 John Terry (left) and Gary Cahill celebrate after the draw at Arsenal which put Chelsea one step closer to the Premier League title GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 PSG 2 Zlatan Ibrahimovic immediately after challenging Oscar, a tackle that saw him sent off GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 PSG 2 Oscar lies on the turf after the tackle GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 PSG 2 Zlatan Ibrahimovic goes off after being shown a red card GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 PSG 2 Diego Costa goes down in the box, but penalty appeals were waved away GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 PSG 2 Edinson Cavani round Courtois GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 PSG 2 Cavani hit the post GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 PSG 2 David Luiz makes the score 1-1 GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 PSG 2 David Luiz celebrates after making the score 1-1 GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 PSG 2 Eden Hazard celebrates after scoring from the spot in extra-time to put Chelsea back in the lead GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 PSG 2 Thiago Silva celebrates PSG's crucial equaliser which saw the French team advance on away goals GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures West Ham 0 Chelsea 1 Eden Hazard puts Chelsea ahead GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures West Ham 0 Chelsea 1 Eden Hazard celebrates his goal GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures West Ham 0 Chelsea 1 Kurt Zouma tries to make a challenge GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures West Ham 0 Chelsea 1 Cesc Fabregas in action during the tight contest GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures PSG 1 Chelsea 1 Edinson Cavani celebrates the equaliser GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures PSG 1 Chelsea 1 Branislav Ivanovic heads in the opening goal GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 1 Everton 0 Branislav Ivanovic grapples with James McCarthy Reuters Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 1 Everton 0 Chelsea players celebrate after Willian's late winner. Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 1 Everton 0 Willian struck in the final minute of normal time to secure the win for Chelsea. Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Aston Villa 1 Chelsea 2 Branislav Ivanovic celebrates scoring the match-winner for Chelsea. Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Aston Vila 1 Chelsea 2 Jores Okore levels for the home side. Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Aston Villa 1 Chelsea 2 Eden Hazard put Chelsea ahead inside the first 10 minutes. Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Manchester City 1 Chelsea 1 David Silva celebrates with Sergio Aguero after equalising against Chelsea Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Manchester City 1 Chelsea 1 A Chelsea fans holds a sign aimed at Frank Lampard before the game against Manchester City Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Manchester City 1 Chelsea 1 Loic Remy puts Chelsea ahead. Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 1 Liverpool 0 Chelsea celebrate the goal that takes them to the League Cup Final. Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 1 Liverpool 0 Branislav Ivanovic heads in the winning goal in extra-time during the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg. Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 Bradford City 4 Gary Cahill opened the scoring with a header from a corner. Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 Bradford City 4 Chelsea seemed to be cruising when Ramires put them into a 2-0 lead. Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 Bradford City 4 Jon Stead set Bradford on the comeback trail with a goal just before half-time. Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 Bradford City 4 Former Chelsea player Filipe Morais stuns the crowd by equalising. Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 Bradford City 4 Andrew Halliday (unseen) is mobbed after putting the Bantams into a shock lead. Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 Bradford City 4 Bradford plays go ballistic after a late goal from Mark Yeates sealed the win. Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Swansea City 0 Chelsea 5 Oscar opened the scoring after just 49 seconds, firing past Lukasz Fabianski Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Swansea City 0 Chelsea 5 Swansea players react after Diego Costa doubles the lead Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Swansea City 0 Chelsea 5 Oscar scores his second, and Chelsea's second in 120 seconds, to make it 4-0 after just 36 minutes Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Swansea City 0 Chelsea 5 Jose Mourinho finds something to complain about despite his team being 4-0 up Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Swansea City 0 Chelsea 5 Costa and Ashley Williams have a disagreement Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Swansea City 0 Chelsea 5 Andre Schurrle put the icing on the cake with a late goal Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 Newcastle 0 Remy Cabella goes close as Newcastle dominated in the first half Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 Newcastle 0 Petr Cech started in place of Thibaut Courtois and was fantastic for the Blues Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 Newcastle 0 Jose Mourinho was furious with his team's performance in the opening stages Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 Newcastle 0 Willian's quick thinking allowed Oscar to tap in the opener at the far post Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 Newcastle 0 Oscar is mobbed by Chelsea players after scoring the opening goal Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 Newcastle 0 Chelsea players surround the referee believing they should have had a penalty Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 3 Watford 0 Kurt Zouma of Chelsea (5) celebrates with Gary Cahill (24) as he scores their third goal Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 3 Watford 0 Willian of Chelsea (L) celebrates with Ramires (R) as he scores their first goal Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Tottenham 5 Chelsea 3 Diego Costa got Chelsea off to a great start when he opened the scoring after 18 minutes GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Tottenham 5 Chelsea 3 However, Harry Kane scored an equaliser GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Tottenham 5 Chelsea 3 With Danny Rose and then Andros Townsend from the penalty spot scoring before half-time to put Spurs in control GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Tottenham 5 Chelsea 3 Townsend scores on half-time, before Kane scored Tottenham's fourth after the break GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Tottenham 5 Chelsea 3 Eden Hazard got one back for Chelsea before Chadli hit the fifth for Spurs GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Tottenham 5 Chelsea 3 John Terry scored a late consolation GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Southampton 1 Chelsea 1 Eden Hazard celebrates the equaliser GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Southampton 1 Chelsea 1 Mane opens the scoring for Southampton GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 West Ham United 0 Andy Carroll shields the ball away from Cesc Fabregas Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 West Ham United 0 Oscar attempts to turn inside of West Ham left-back Richard Cresswell Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 West Ham United 0 Willian drives at the West Ham defence Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 West Ham United 0 John Terry pokes home to open the scoring for the second game in a row Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 West Ham United 0 Branislav Ivanovic and Andy Carroll clash after the Chelsea defender dived for a penalty Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 West Ham United 0 Diego Costa struck for his 13th goal of the season Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 0 Stoke 2 Chelsea captain John Terry powers home a header to put Chelsea into the lead after just two minutes Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 0 Stoke 2 Chelsea team-mates rush to celebrate with the captain Chelsea - the latest match pictures Matic.jpg Nemanja Matic holds off Geoff Cameron Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 0 Stoke 2 Cesc Fabregas celebrates after putting the result beyond any doubt Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Derby 1 Chelsea 3 Eden Hazard fires Chelsea into a 23rd minute lead Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Derby 1 Chelsea 3 Medical staff treat the defender, who was carried off on a stretcher but had some minor dizziness Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Derby 1 Chelsea 3 Filipe Luis lets fly with a free-kick from 30 yards to score his first goal for Chelsea Rex Features Chelsea - the latest match pictures Derby 1 Chelsea 3 Craig Bryson gave Derby hope with a goal with 20 minutes still on the clock Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Derby 1 Chelsea 3 Derby’s Jake Buxton (No 5) is sent off for fouling Loïc Rémy just six minutes after the goal PA Chelsea - the latest match pictures Derby 1 Chelsea 3 Andre Schurrle settled the tie with eight minutes left Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 Hull City 0 Eden Hazard rises to head Chelsea into an early lead, heading in a FIlipe Luis cross Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 Hull City 0 Hull City players were furious that Gary Cahill was only shown a yellow card for a high tackle on Sone Aluko Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 Hull City 0 Diego Costa was booked for diving on the edge of the box Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 Hull City 0 Tom Huddlestone was shown a straight red card for stamping on Filipe Luis Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 Hull City 0 Diego Costa scored his first goal since 22 November to make it 2-0 to Chelsea Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 Hull City 0 The Blues keep their three-point lead at the top of the Premier League Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 3 Sporting 1 Andre Schurrle celebrates scoring Chelsea's second GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 3 Sporting 1 Cesc Fabregas converts from the penalty spot to open the scoring GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Newcastle 2 Chelsea 1 Didier Drigba scores a consolation goal to bring the score back to 2-1 Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Newcastle 2 Chelsea 1 John Terry looks up as Papiss Cisse's shot hits the back of the net Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Newcastle 2 Chelsea 1 Newcastle players and fans swamp Papiss Cisee after he scored his second goal Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Newcastle 2 Chelsea 1 Papiss Cisse celebraes after scoring Newcastle's second against Chelsea Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Newcastle 2 Chelsea 1 Papiss Cisse scores the first goal for Newcastle against Chelsea Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 3 Tottenham 0 Loic Remy celebrates scoring Chelsea's third goal Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 3 Tottenham 0 Didier Drogba made it 2-0 to Chelsea GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 3 Tottenham 0 Eden Hazard scores Chelsea's first GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 West Brom 0 Diego Costa opens the scoring, his 11th goal in the Premier League in just his 10th match Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 West Brom 0 Chelsea players crowd round the Spanish striker, who received a standing ovation from the home fans when he was later taken off Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 West Brom 0 Claudio Yacob was sent off for a two-footed tackle on Costa - he won the ball but it was dangerous Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 West Brom 0 Branislav Ivanovic holds off Stephane Sessegnon during the first-half Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 West Brom 0 Eden Hazard fires in the second after the Baggies were caught sleeping from a short corner Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 West Brom 0 Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho watches the action unfold at Stamford Bridge Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Liverpool 1 Chelsea 2 Emre Can's deflected shot puts Liverpool into the lead at Anfield Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Liverpool 1 Chelsea 2 Chelsea skipper John Terry heads a cross away from danger AFP/Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Liverpool 1 Chelsea 2 Gary Cahill equalises with the help of goal-line technology Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Liverpool 1 Chelsea 2 Mario Balotelli endured another frustrating afternoon at Anfield Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Liverpool 1 Chelsea 2 Branislav Ivanovic clears away from Raheem Sterling PA Chelsea - the latest match pictures Liverpool 1 Chelsea 2 Diego Costa celebrates after firing in the winner, his 10th goal of the season AP Chelsea - the latest match pictures Maribor 1 Chelsea 1 Petr Cech could do nothing about Ibraimi’s stunning strike that put Maribor ahead AP Chelsea - the latest match pictures Maribor 1 Chelsea 1 Chelsea celebrate Nemanja Matic's equaliser EPA Chelsea - the latest match pictures Maribor 1 Chelsea 1 Cesc Fabregas in action during the Champions League tie EPA Chelsea - the latest match pictures Maribor 1 Chelsea 1 Eden Hazard saw his penalty saved late in the game Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 QPR 1 Gary Cahill attempts to head in a Chelsea corner Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 QPR 1 Oscar opened the scoring with a brilliant shot, Cesc Fabregas providing the assist Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 QPR 1 Oscar curled the ball with the outside of his foot into the far corner Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 QPR 1 QPR striker Charlie Austin scored a cheeky back-heel to draw Rangers level with their local rivals Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 QPR 1 Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is not impressed after seeing his team pegged back by the side at the bottom of the table Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 QPR 1 Chelsea players mob Eden Hazard after he first won and then converted the penalty that turned out to be the winning goal Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Manchester United 1 Chelsea 1 Robin van Persie celebrates his late goal GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Manchester United 1 Chelsea 1 Robin van Persie scores the equalising goal in the final minute GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Manchester United 1 Chelsea 1 Referee Phil Dowd shows a red card to Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Manchester United 1 Chelsea 1 Didier Drogba celebrates his goal GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Manchester United 1 Chelsea 1 Didier Drogba heads in to give Chelsea the lead GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Manchester United 1 Chelsea 1 Thibaut Courtois saves an effort from Robin van Persie GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Manchester United 1 Chelsea 1 Didier Drogba shields the ball under pressure from United players GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Manchester United 1 Chelsea 1 The players make their way out onto the pitch at Old Trafford GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Crystal Palace 0 Chelsea 2 Cesc Fabregas puts Chelsea two up GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Crystal Palace 0 Chelsea 2 Damien Delaney is shown a red card GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Crystal Palace 0 Chelsea 2 Cesar Azpilicueta is sent off the Blues GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Crystal Palace 0 Chelsea 2 Oscar curls in a free-kick to open the scoring GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Sporting Lisbon 0 Chelsea 1 Diego Costa in action having started from the beginning, despite concerns over his fitness Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Sporting Lisbon 0 Chelsea 1 Nemanja Matic scored the only goal of the game in this Champions League meeting Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Sporting Lisbon 0 Chelsea 1 Branislav Ivanovic in action during the Group G clash Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Sporting Lisbon 0 Chelsea 1 Gary Cahill ensures the wall is in place during the victory Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Sporting Lisbon 0 Chelsea 1 John Terry applauds the travelling Chelsea fans Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 3 Aston Villa 0 Willian tapped in from just a yard out to make sure of the three points for the Blues Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 3 Aston Villa 0 Diego Costa powered a header past Brad Guzan to score an eighth Premier League goal in only six matches this season Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 3 Aston Villa 0 Fabian Delph moves out of the clutches of Chelsea forward Eden Hazard Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 3 Aston Villa 0 Jose Mourinho celebrated his 250th match as Chelsea manager with another victory Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 3 Aston Villa 0 Restored back into the starting line-up, Brazilian Oscar slotted home to give the Blues the lead AFP/Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 Bolton 1 Zouma celebrates scoring for Chelsea in this Capital One Cup victory Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2 Bolton 1 Oscar, left, celebrates his goal with John Obi Mikel on as Chelsea were made to fight all the way by Bolton to reach the fourth round Getty Chelsea - the latest match pictures Manchester City 1 Chelsea 1 Schurrle celebrates for Chelsea after opening the scoring Chelsea - the latest match pictures Manchester City 1 Chelsea 1 On as a substitute, Frank Lampard scored against his former side GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Manchester City 1 Chelsea 1 Frank Lampard applauds the travelling Chelsea fans after the match Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Manchester City 1 Chelsea 1 John Terry and Frank Lampard after 90 minutes Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 1 Schalke 1 Klaas Jan Huntelaar equalises for Schalke GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 1 Schalke 1 Cesc Fabregas celebrates his first Chelsea goal Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 1 Schalke 1 Jose Mourinho looks on from the touchline Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 4 Swansea City 2 We may have to get used to this sight. Diego Costa doubled the home side's lead after the break. It wasn't long before he added another to his tally... Getty Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 4 Swansea City 2 Despite heavy pressure from an impressive Swansea City side, Diego Costa was on hand to pull the Blues back into it. Getty Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 4 Swansea City 2 It was a calamitous start for the Premier League title favourites as John Terry bundled the ball into his own net. Getty Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 4 Swansea City 2 The Stamford Bridge crowd joined the two sets of players in a moments applause to celebrate the life of former Blues Chelsea's club president Sir Richard Attenborough. Getty Chelsea - the latest match pictures Everton 3 Chelsea 6 Diego Costa finishes off the scoring GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Everton 3 Chelsea 6 Ramires scores Chelsea's fifth GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Everton 3 Chelsea 6 Nemanja Matic celebrates his goal GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Everton 3 Chelsea 6 Steven Naismith grabs a goal for the Toffees GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Everton 3 Chelsea 6 Eden Hazard forces Seamus Coleman into an own goal GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Everton 3 Chelsea 6 Kevin Mirallas celebrates after getting a goal back for the Toffees GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Everton 3 Chelsea 6 Branislav Ivanovic celebrates after doubling the away side's lead GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Everton 3 Chelsea 6 Diego Costa celebrates after opening the scoring GETTY IMAGES Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2-0 Leicester City Liam Moore, Jeff Schlupp and Paul Konchesky can't hide their dismay as Eden Hazard's brilliant strike doubles Chelsea's lead and puts the game beyond them. Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2-0 Leicester City Diego Costa celebrates after finally breaking the deadlock after an hour of resistance by Leicester City. Tapping in from six yards, Kasper Schmeichel had no chance. Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2-0 Leicester City David Nugent misses from a one-on-one showdown with Thibaut Courtois in a chance which could (and probably should) have put Leicester City ahead. Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2-0 Leicester City Thibaut Courtois was again preferred in goal by Jose Mourinho as Petr Cech sat on the bench for the second game in a row. Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2-0 Leicester City Kasper Schmeichel, the Leicester City goalkeeper, was in fine form for the Foxes as the Blues struggled to break the deadlock. Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Chelsea 2-0 Leicester City Jose Mourinho cut a frustrated figure in the first half as Chelsea failed to get a single shot on target against a stern Leicester City defence. Chelsea - the latest match pictures Burnley 1 Chelsea 3 Scott Arfield showed wonderful technique to smash Burnley into a 13th-minute lead against Chelsea Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Burnley 1 Chelsea 3 Thibaut Courtois was given the nod ahead of long-time Chelsea No 1 Petr Cech Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Burnley 1 Chelsea 3 Diego Costa quickly brought the Blues level with his first competitive goal for his new club Getty Images Chelsea - the latest match pictures Burnley 1 Chelsea 3 Andre Schurrle then put the Blues ahead Getty Images

“Without Diego was great, because there is a general feeling that our team improved because of Diego and Fabregas. And it’s fair to say that. But, at the same time, this team had a big improvement [because it] generally thinks the game, controls the game, copes in different moments of the game in a completely different way.”

Though Chelsea have now claimed 22 of the 24 points available, Mourinho believes it is beyond his side to replicate Arsenal’s unbeaten 2003-04 season. “I think the Premier League has changed so much, that it’s impossible to do it,” he said.