Chelsea have overcome plenty of challenges this season. The Diego Costa controversy is just another hurdle to jump in their quest for Premier League glory.
Tottenham snapped Chelsea’s winning streak last time out and the Blues will inevitably be eager to get back to winning ways this weekend. However, they have been presented with another hurdle to overcome following Diego Costa’s reported bust-up with Antonio Conte.
The duo have fallen out over a lucrative offer from China. With Conte apparently yelling at Costa to ‘go to China‘, the striker will not be in the matchday squad for the Leicester City game. Chelsea will have to make do without their main goalscorer, while trying to ignore the rumbles of discontent.
The Blues had been motoring on with seemingly no issues. Their 13-game winning streak saw them dispatch team after team, whether it be leading from the front, or coming from behind.
Spurs then halted their momentum with a convincing 2-0 victory, but Chelsea were still several points clear at the top of the table. They would have been looking to rebound strongly against Leicester, but this Costa situation has thrown a spoke in the wheel.
More from The Pride of London
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea player ratings: Abysmal, reckless, wasteful
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea: 3 Blues talking points
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
- Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
The Blues have already won without the Spanish international on the field. A front three of Eden Hazard, Pedro and Willian stepped up to the plate against Bournemouth. They also coped without N’Golo Kante in the same game.
However, given the Spurs loss, this game has the feel of a must-win fixture for Conte’s men. Despite their record-breaking streak, Chelsea may be as few as two points clear by the end of the weekend.
With that in mind, the timing of this Costa controversy could not be much worse. Conte has not show faith in Michy Batshuayi and rumours suggest that he may be set for a loan switch this January. Now, he may be called upon to be that man to settle Chelsea nerves.
All eyes will be on this fixture and Chelsea should view it as an opportunity to show the world why they will finish on top. Leicester blitzed Manchester City in their last big game and they have found some form recently. If Chelsea can win amidst all this turmoil, there will be little reason to doubt their title credentials.
What do you think of the Costa situation? Will it affect the Blues? Sound off in the comments below!