Jose Mourinho confirms Diego Costa suffered 'muscular problem' in Chelsea victory over Hull City

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed Diego Costa suffered a 'muscular problem' in his side's 3-2 win over Hull City.

Costa, who struck his side's second goal after nine minutes, appeared to be struggling with a hamstring problem and was taken off after 75 minutes, replaced by match winner Loic Remy.

Chelsea's next game is at home to Stoke City on 4 April following the upcoming international break and Mourinho has indicated it is too early to say whether the striker will be fit in time.

"I was going to play Loic with Diego when Diego gave us an indication he couldn't carry on," Mourinho said.

"He has a muscular problem – no doubt about it. When the team needs goals and the striker comes off with 15 minutes left it is because he knows clearly he has an injury.

"But if cannot play the next game against Stoke then we have Remy and we have Didier Drogba."

Costa, 25, was named in Spain's squad for upcoming internationals against Ukraine on 28 March and Netherlands on 31 March.

The former Atletico Madrid star missed the two previous national team games against Belarus and Germany in November citing injury, despite playing for Jose Mourinho's side in a victory over Liverpool just before the international break.

His absence, along with that of his Blues teammate Cesc Fabregas, prompted criticism from Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos, who questioned the commitment of the Chelsea duo.

Manager Vicente del Bosque also hinted the two were at risk of losing their places to others vying for an opportunity to impress for La Roja.

Chelsea's win over Hull saw them open up a six point lead over second placed Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League table with a game in hand.