Diego Costa could well make a stunning return to Premier League action for Chelsea after being registered as part of their squad despite spending the summer away from the club.
The Spaniard is currently hanging out in his home town of Lagarto in Brazil and is refusing to return to Stamford Bridge after a huge fallout with Blues boss Antonio Conte.
The Italian tactician told Costa his was surplus to requirements at the start of the transfer window via text and he has since been an outcast.
But despite him potentially being able to secure a move to Atletico Madrid by 11pm tonight, he has been registered as part of Chelsea's squad for the coming season nonetheless.
That suggests Conte and Costa may be able to resolve their differences, with the striker coming back into the fold, although it may just prove to be a strategy from the club to avoid any legal action from the attacker.
Costa had threatened legal action if he was not allowed to return to Atletico and with a move looking dangerously close to falling through, they will be keen to avoid any such issue, as they will be proving to the relevant authorities that they are allowing him to complete his first-team duties.
Chelsea signed a replacement in the form of Alvaro Morata but Costa's return to the squad would no doubt be welcomed by supporters.
It's unclear if he'll be named in the Champions League squad, with that due to be submitted before 11pm on Friday night.
Comments