Diego Costa returned to first-team training on Tuesday after holding ‘amicable’ talks with Chelsea regarding last week’s reported row.
Chelsea were embroiled in controversy last week, following reports of a major falling out between Diego Costa and coaching staff. The Blues went about their business as usual, though, dispatching Leicester City 3-0. Now, Costa has returned to first-team training after ‘amicable’ talks with the club.
Sky sources claim that the striker held an hour-long meeting with club officials, in order to sort out this situation.
"Costa held an hour-long meeting with the club at their Cobham training base on Tuesday before rejoining the first-team squad for a practice session."
Antonio Conte blamed Costa’s absence against Leicester on a back injury, but few believed this to be the true reason. Nevertheless, the forward has been training on his own in the last few days in order to rehab.
The more cynical among us would view this injury as an excuse to mask the severity of the row. However, Costa appears to have made a truce with the club and the status quo has resumed.
While Chelsea proved that they weren’t reliant on Costa, his availability will make this second half of the season much easier. He has been on fire this season, leading the Premier League scoring charts.
Given that Conte does not trust Michy Batshuayi yet, Costa is the club’s only true striking option. Chelsea have delivered two 3-0 victories in his absence, but their ability to play for an extended run of games without a recognised striker is doubtful.
It has been a bizarre week for the Blues, but the drama seems to have reached its denouement. The players impressively blocked out the rumours, focusing on getting the right result on the pitch. However, a united and happy dressing room just makes the task that much easier.
The Premier League season is far from over, but with Costa back on the right page, Chelsea are once again firmly in pole position.