The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Radamel Falcao could start Chelsea's Premier League opener against Swansea City after Jose Mourinho admitted that he doesn't know whether Diego Costa will be fit to face Garry Monk's side.
The Brazilian picked up a hamstring injury in the Blues' pre-season friendly victory against Barcelona last week and failed to recover in time to feature in the club's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday afternoon.
A similar complaint restricted the striker's progress during his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge and Mourinho is unsure in regards to the length of time the 26-year-old will be out of action for, due to the unpredictably of the forward's injury.
"I don’t know if he’ll be fit. You think I’m lying but I’m not. Two days ago he was ready, yesterday he trained normal.
"Next Friday if you ask if he plays against Swansea I won’t answer. Maybe he will,maybe he won’t," Mourinho insisted.
Loic Remy, who started just six Premier League games last season, was given a rare opportunity to lead Chelsea's line against Arsenal in Costa's absence, but was withdrawn at half time.
Falcao was introduced in the Frenchman's place but did not manage to find a way through the Gunners' rearguard during the second half.
Arsenal vs Chelsea: Five things we learnt
The Colombian striker will be given another opportunity impress when Chelsea host Serie A side Fiorentina in the club's final warm up fixture on Wednesday evening.
"Falcao will have more football. He’ll start against Fiorentina," confirmed Mourinho.
The 29-year-old will be hopeful that he can do enough to convince Mourinho that he is ready to be named as the focal point of the champions' attack when they start the defence of their title at Stamford Bridge next weekend.
