Mourinho weighs up Costa fitness gamble against Sportin

London (AFP) - Jose Mourinho is weighing up whether to risk Diego Costa in Wednesday's Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon in a bid to improve the Chelsea striker's match fitness.

Mourinho's side are already certain to advance to the last 16 of Europe's elite club competition in first place regardless of the result in their final Group G fixture at Stamford Bridge.

With the hectic Christmas schedule looming, it would be little surprise if the Chelsea manager rests several stars, including the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois, when the Portuguese club visit west London.

But Costa may not be given the night off to start his Christmas shopping because Mourinho is concerned the Spain international's recent barren run has been provoked by his constant battles with injury.

While Costa hit the ground running after signing from Atletico Madrid, scoring seven goals in his first four Blues appearances, he has netted only twice in his last seven, having been hampered by persistent hamstring and groin problems.