Mourinho hints Falcao could start against Everton

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has suggested that Radamel Falcao may start his first game for the club in their game against Everton on Saturday afternoon

Falcao, 29, has shown signs that he is rediscovering his form at Stamford Bridge this term however, as he scored his first goal for the club in their 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace before the international break.

And Mourinho was coy when asked whether Falcao would be in contention to start this weekend.

He said: “Of course he has [a chance of starting]. When a player is on the bench and is coming in every game, because he’s coming (on) in every game that we play.

“He’s a player that is there. The difference between being on the bench and playing is not a big distance to be in the starting line-up.

“Yes, he works hard, he works very professionally every day, so yes he can start a game for sure.”

Prior to his stint at Old Trafford, Falcao was one of the most feared strikers in Europe, after enjoying outstanding spells with Porto and Atletico Madrid and Mourinho will be hoping he can rediscover that form in West London.

Although Falcao has been involved in all four of Chelsea’s league matches so far, it would still be a surprise to see him preferred to Diego Costa for the game against Everton, as the Spaniard has been Chelsea’s talisman up front since joining in 2014.

However, Costa has been unable to replicate his prolific form for last season thus far, scoring just once in four Premier League matches, while he also struggled to make an impact for Spain in their European qualifiers this week, meaning Falcao may be given the nod this weekend.

Chelsea’s game at Everton is Saturday’s early kick off and the Blues will be desperate to get their second win of the season, as they already trail league leaders Manchester City by eight points.