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CHELSEA striker Diego Costa is fit for today’s Premier League match against QPR, says manager Jose Mourinho.

The Spain international, who has scored nine goals in seven Premier League games, has missed four matches with a hamstring injury and a viral infection.

The 26-year-old’s absence along with Loic Remy had left Didier Drogba as Chelsea’s only fit striker.

“It’s difficult when you only have one available, but when you have two, the situation improves,” Mourinho said.

Remy remains sidelined with a persistent groin injury, while midfielder John Mikel Obi is also unavailable as top-of-the-table Chelsea prepare for the visit of QPR.

Despite Costa’s return, Mourinho admits he is powerless to limit the striker’s game time for Spain in their forthcoming Euro 2016 qualifier against Belarus on November 15.

“He played for the national team and we lost him for four matches,” he added.

“Crystal Palace, Maribor, Shrewsbury and Manchester United, four matches in three different competitions.

“Now he is available again, but he needs to be under special care.

“I’m always supportive of players playing for their countries when they are in the condition to do so.

“But I’m nobody to stand in the way of the national team, I can’t stop him going away with his country.”

English Barclays Premier League Fixtures

Today: Newcastle United v Liverpool (St. James’ Park 14:45), Hull City v Southampton (The KC Stadium 17:00), Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion (King Power Stadium 17:00), Chelsea v Queens Park Rangers (Stamford Bridge 17:00), Everton v Swansea City (Goodison Park 17:00), Stoke City v West Ham United (Britannia Stadium 17:00), Arsenal v Burnley (Emirates Stadium 17:00).

Tomorrow: Manchester City v Manchester United (Etihad Stadium 15:30), Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur (Villa Park 18:00.

Monday: Crystal Palace v Sunderland (Selhurst Park 22:00) — BBC Sport