Chelsea injury news: Diego Costa serves three-match suspension and Jose Mourinho faces tough call in central defence

The controversial striker will serve the second part of his three-game suspension

The Portuguese coach must choose two starters from John Terry, Gary Cahill and Kurt Zouma (Getty Images)

Chelsea will be without Diego Costa for their Premier League clash with bottom side Newcastle United after the striker was handed a retrospective three-game ban.

The Football Association punished the Spain international for his violent conduct during a tempestiuous 2-0 victory over Arsenal last weekend.

Costa served the first part of his ban by sitting out of Wednesday night's Capital One Cup victory over Walsall. As well as the trip to St. James' Park, he will also miss Southampton's visit to Stamford Bridge next Saturday.

In his place, Jose Mourinho is expected to start Loic Remy, who previously played for Newcastle while on loan from Queens Park Rangers during the 2013/14 season.

The French striker has said he will have 'no choice' but to imitate Costa's physical and confrontational style if he is to be his replacement. "I have to do it because when you play for Chelsea it’s a question of giving the best, 100 per cent, every game," he said. "Of course, I will do the best I can."

In injury news, Willian will travel with the defending champions after recovering from a hamstring strain. The only absentee is first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, whose long-term knee injury means that Asmir Begovic will continue between the sticks.

There is also an interesting choice to be made in the centre of defence, with John Terry, Gary Cahill and Kurt Zouma each vying for one of two places. The club captain Terry returned in midweek for the tie against Walsall after being left on the bench for the Arsenal game.

Cahill and, in particular, Zouma were hailed for their performances in the derby, with the latter notching Chelsea's opening goal.

Chelsea injuries/suspensions:

Diego Costa - suspended - expected back 17 October 2015

Thibaut Courtois - knee injury - expected back December 2015

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