Conte explains why beer is good for Costa

The Spain international striker has enjoyed a resurgence in form this season and, alongside Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez, leads the goalscoring charts in the Premier League with 12 from his first 15 games.

Chelsea striker Diego Costa won Premier League 'player of the month award' for November.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is happy for Diego Costa to drink a beer after matches as it helps him to rehydrate more quickly.

READ: >Costa can still improve, says Conte

The Spain international striker has enjoyed a resurgence in form this season and, alongside Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez, leads the goalscoring charts in the Premier League with 12 from his first 15 games.

A picture emerged showing Costa's man-of-the-match award from last Sunday's 1-0 win over West Brom alongside a bottle of beer in the Chelsea dressing-room, prompting conflicting reactions from fans on social media.

Conte has imposed strict rules on his players when it comes to their diet but he is happy to allow them a drink immediately after games as long as they limit themselves to one.

"It's good for rehydration, you can drink Coca-Cola or one beer," he told a media conference. "It's good for recovery. But one. Not a lot. After you finish the game, quickly, not an hour after the end.

"I have great professionals in my players. In this case, I don't think a coach or a manager can say 'do this' or 'don't do this'. I have great professionals and I know they will have a better attitude and behaviour in this situation."

Chelsea face bottom-club Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday.