Chelsea are confident Diego Costa will be fit for Sunday’s trip to Middlesbrough, despite the fact the striker was forced to withdraw from the Spain squad.

Costa pulled out of the Spain squad for the games against Macedonia and England with a groin problem, but has made good progress since returning to Chelsea’s Cobham training centre.

The 28-year-old did not partake in full training on Wednesday, but still worked with the ball and, barring any set-backs, is expected to be fit to face Middlesbrough.