John Terry: Chelsea FC Can Cope Without Diego Costa

Credit: NBC Sports Live Extra Live Stream

No real surprise to hear from Jose Mourinho in his press conference ahead of the Champions League clash with in-form Maribor, that the hamstring niggle that has been bothering Diego Costa for a number of weeks now, has got to the point where it needs to be rested.

But for club captain John Terry, this Chelsea team are more than capable of winning with, or without Costa in the team, as they demonstrated Saturday against Crystal Palace.

As highlighted in today’s Independent, Terry believes this year they [Chelsea] are a much more rounded and complete squad:

“The one question mark people had about us was whether we could win without Diego,” said the former England man.

“He’s done so well that people wondered, if he was out, who could come in and do it.”

It was a point proven against Palace as Loic Remy stepped up as replacement for Costa and whilst not scoring, did everything that was asked of him, winning the free-kick that lead to Oscar’s incredible goal and of course causing Delaney to have to haul the French international back, resulting in a second caution and a red card, to bring the game back to 10 v 10.

“We can match everyone, I think. Our football speaks for itself.

“Last season people thought they could get in our faces and distract us but we are as strong as anyone and hungry to win the league. The hunger is in the squad and ­hopefully that can see us through.”

And whilst it’s likely that Remy will be asked to lead the line on Tuesday, the Blues will still have old stalwart Didier Drogba, and new kid Dominic Solanke to call upon, should they feel the need to do so.

That said, it would be good to see Costa back for the trip to Old Trafford Saturday. That might be interesting!