Community Shield: Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says Diego Costa and Gary Cahill fit to face Arsenal

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed both Diego Costa and Gary Cahill will be available for the Community Shield game against Arsenal on 2 August despite suffering knocks during the pre-season penalty victory over Barcelona on 29 July.

Having struggled with injury problems during his debut campaign in the Premier League, Spain international Costa had to be replaced by Loic Remy during the game against the Catalans after Mourinho revealed the striker "felt a little thing in his hamstring".

Meanwhile, England international Cahill suffered a heavy knock to the nose later in the game after being punched by Barcelona goalkeeper Jordi Masip when the stopper tried to stop him from netting the equaliser in the 86<sup>th minute.

But speaking after the game against the Champions League winners, Mourinho revealed he hoped the Chelsea duo would be fit to face the Gunners and has now confirmed the good news for the Blues, while revealing the whole squad is available for selection.

The manager added he is not worried about Costa's hamstring injury records, while pointing out he has two good options for cover in Remy and summer signing Radamel Falcao.

He said: "There are no concerns, no protections [for Costa]... I believe Costa can stay fit. Strikers are a position where we're strong. we have three top strikers. I'm not worried. No problem."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, had previously confirmed Alexis Sanchez will miss the game following his participation with Chile in the Copa America, while Danny Welbeck is also out due to injury.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina has just returned to training following the Copa America, while summer signing Petr Cech is expected to start his first competitive game for the Gunners against his former employees.