(Picture) Chelsea Stars Train Hard Ahead Of The Champions League Clash

The Chelsea squad began their preparation on Monday morning as they welcome Slovenian side Maribor in the Group G game of the Champions League. The Blues have kick started their campaign in style as they are yet to lose a game and stand 5 points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.

Chelsea will head into the game without the likes of Ramires, Jon Obi Mikel, Andre Schurrle, while the fitness of Diego Costa is a major question. Manager Jose Mourinho has himself admitted that he has no idea when top scorer Diego Costa will be fit again.

The Spanish International has been struggling with a Hamstring problem since the start of the season, and it looks like he cannot play the next two games atleast, but they still have plenty of quality to call on in a match they will know they should win given home advantage.

“It is the same problem. But now it is an injury, not an ‘almost’ injury. It’s simple. Costa is not training because he is not in condition to do so.

“I have no idea how long he will be out. Tomorrow he cannot play. The weekend is not important right now –  but he cannot play tomorrow.”

Costa’s absence will give room for Remy to have a run in the first team, while club legend Didier Droga is yet to gain full fitness although he was involved in the training. With a key clash against Manchester United on the horizon, expect Jose Mourinho to rest some of the key players.

Here are some of the pictures from the training ground.