Chelsea expect AWOL Diego Costa to return before Atletico Madrid transfer

Chelsea expect Diego Costa to return to London and make himself available for selection if the striker is to seal a transfer return to Atletico Madrid.

Costa, who claims he was told he was not wanted by manager Antonio Conte via text message in the summer - a claim the club denies - has yet to leave Chelsea, but did not return from his post-season break.

The striker said he has not reported for training as he does not want to be "treated like a criminal" and train with the Blues' reserves. The 28-year-old is happy staying in Brazil and paying club fines until his future is resolved.

Standard Sport understands that Chelsea want Costa to honour the terms of his contract and return to training in order to get himself match fit and available for selection for Antonio Conte's Premier League champions.

While Chelsea are willing to let the Spain international go if the club agrees a transfer fee with Atletico, the Blues expect Costa to act in a professional manner as he seeks a Stamford Bridge exit. Chelsea want £50m for the forward, but Atletico have only offered £26m so far.

The move is also further complicated by the fact that Atletico cannot register new players until January due to a Fifa transfer ban.

Costa's potential return to Chelsea does not represent a U-turn by Conte regarding the striker's future. It has been reported Chelsea have fined him two weeks' wages, but the club are refusing to confirm the size of fine.

He is paid £150,000-a-week and has been AWOL for four weeks so far.

Costa told the Daily Mail: "I am waiting for Chelsea to set me free. I didn't want to leave. I was happy. When the manager does not want you, you have to go.

"In January, things happened with the coach. I was on the brink of renewing my contract and they put the brakes on it. I suspect the manager was behind it.

"They gave me a week extra off but since then it's fines all the way. They want me training with the reserves. I am not going to do that.

"I am not a criminal and I am not in the wrong here. So, if they need to fine me, let them fine me."

Earlier in August, Costa's lawyer Ricardo Cardoso said Costa was bringing a claim against Chelsea to force a move to Atletico.

Costa, who said he feels Conte "doesn't possess charisma", was angry with how he says he was told to leave. The striker said in June, Conte informed him via text message that he is not in his manager's plans for next season.