Chelsea vs Bournemouth team news: Thibaut Courtois returns but Diego Costa left out by Jose Mourinho

Chelsea make two changes while Artur Boruc and Harry Arter start for Bournemouth

Jack de Menezes
Saturday 05 December 2015 12:39 EST
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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and striker Diego Costa
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and striker Diego Costa (Getty Images)

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Thibaut Courtois returns in goal for Chelsea after three months out with a knee injury, but Diego Costa is left out of the Premier League visit of Bournemouth.

Blues manager Jose Mourinho makes two changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Tottenham last weekend as Courtois replaces Asmir Begovic and Baba Rahman comes in for Cesar Azpilicueta at left-back, with the Spaniard dropping to the bench.

Bournemouth are able to call on goalkeeper Artur Boruc after he delayed knee surgery to help cover Eddie Howe’s growing injury crisis.

Replacement goalkeeper Adam Federici was forced off during the Cherries’ 3-3 draw with Everton last weekend, but Boruc has been selected meaning that Ryan Allsop must wait for his first start for the club.

Sylvain Dystin drops out with Adam Smith starting in defence in the only other change, meaning that Harry Arter has passed a late fitness test to start in midfield.

Teams

Chelsea: Courtois, Ivanovic, Zouma, Cahill, Baba; Fabregas, Matic; Willian, Oscar, Pedro; Hazard

Subs: Begovic, Azpilicueta, Mikel, Loftus-Cheek, Traore, Remy, Diego Costa

Bournemouth: Boruc; Daniels, Cook, Francis, Smith; Surman; Ritchie, Gosling, Arter, Stanislas; King

Subs: Allsop, Cargill, Butcher, O'Kane, Kermorgant, Murray, Rantie

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