Chelsea vs Liverpool: Diego Costa and Pedro facing fitness tests ahead of Premier League clash

Chelsea forwards Diego Costa and Pedro face late fitness tests to determine their availability for the Premier League visit of Liverpool. Costa suffered a chest injury, which forced him off in the Capital One Cup defeat to Stoke City, while fellow Spain international Pedro has not played since the win over Aston Villa with an unspecified muscle problem.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Branislav Ivanovic are both long-term injury victims with knee and hamstring blows respectively. The Blues must wait until the morning of the game to discover whether Mourinho will have Costa and Pedro at his disposal, in a match that could shape his future at Stamford Bridge.

"Not many injuries," said the Chelsea manager, whose side's defeat to West Ham United leaves them 11 points behind leaders Manchester City after 10 games, according to The Mirror. "Courtois and Ivanovic are out and Pedro and Diego we will wait. The others are fine. Pedro and Diego I am hopeful, if not I don't take them to the hotel.

"It is always difficult for me to find the percentage [how fit] it is more about the confidence of the players." Liverpool, meanwhile, are without forwards Daniel Sturridge and Danny Ings, but Christian Benteke is in line for a return after a two-game absence.

Penalty woe for Chelsea

Though Chelsea turned in a much-improved performance in the League Cup loss to Stoke, they were unable to reach the quarter-finals after being knocked out on penalties. Mark Hughes's side prevailed 5-4 after Eden Hazard's spot-kick was kept out by Jack Butland; a far from ideal warm-up for the visit of Liverpool.

The Belgium international, who was named the player of the year by the Professional Footballers' Association, the Football Writers' Association and the Premier League last term as Chelsea won the title, was dropped for the win over Aston Villa before being restored to the team for the games against West Ham and Stoke. Mourinho says Hazard is now back in favour after being impressed with his showing at the Britannia Stadium.

"I think it is not because he missed an important penalty I am going to be critical, he tried everything and had a positive game, tried for two hours, I am pleased with his performance," added the Portuguese boss, who refused to answer questions regarding weekend opponents Liverpool and newly appointed manager Jurgen Klopp.

"I am happy with his performance against Stoke. I was happy with his performance against Dynamo Kiev. Before that he was on the bench for a couple of matches. I was not happy and felt it was the best thing for him but I am happy with his positive reaction to that."