How Chelsea could line up without star striker.
Chelsea have been rocked by news that star striker Diego Costa could be out for as much as three weeks through injury, with the Spaniard understood to have been playing through pain for much of this season.
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The £32m signing from Atletico Madrid has been a big hit at Stamford Bridge since his move, but the club will now have to think how to line up without him in their side, with Jose Mourinho’s starting eleven likely to look something like this:
Goalkeeper and defence:
Although Thibaut Courtois had an injury scare against Arsenal, the Belgian should continue in goal for the Blues, with the defence also unchanged as the likes of Branislav Ivanovic, Cesar Azpilicueta, John Terry and Gary Cahill make up the back four.
Midfield:
Although he will no doubt miss combining with the excellent Costa, Cesc Fabregas should continue to shine in midfield for Chelsea alongside his sold defensive midfield partner Nemanja Matic.
Attack:
The attacking midfield three should rotate as usual, but the main change will be French striker Loic Remy coming in as the main centre-forward for Mourinho’s side. The summer signing from Queens Park Rangers looks a good addition, but is certainly not of the same quality as Costa, and better suited to an impact sub role at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea Xi without Costa in full: