Chelsea injury news: Diego Costa suspended for Manchester United clash, Loic Remy expected to start

The controversial striker picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Watford on Boxing Day

Chelsea striker Diego Costa celebrates his opening goal against Watford (Getty Images)

Chelsea will be without Diego Costa for their trip to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday night, with Loic Remy expected to replace the suspended striker.

The Brazilian-born Spain international picked up a yellow card, his fifth of the season, for a reckless challenge on Craig Cathcart during Boxing Day’s draw against Watford.

Costa, who last week was booed by elements of the home support that believe he is culpable for Jose Mourinho’s dismissal, also scored both of his side’s goals in the game, extending his league total this season to five.

“He focused himself where he's good, and there he's very dangerous,” Hiddink said of his striker following the draw. “That's important,” he added, “he's not wasting extra energy where he shouldn't, and he did that.”

“He is out for United, with a fifth [booking]. Which means we have to think how to solve that problem.

“It's a pity because he'd put in a good performance. So we need to solve that problem in the next 48 hours.”

Who's in and who's out for Chelsea's trip to Manchester United? Click through the gallery to find out...

The Dutchman, who is enjoying his second stint in the Stamford Bridge dugout, made no guarantees over the player’s future conduct, arguing that Costa is a player who thrives on emotion.

“When Diego was booed – whether it was right or wrong – he had a very good reaction as a professional when he was substituted by Steve [Holland, against Sunderland].

“I think that made him think: 'How should I go on?' He showed that [against Watford]. I give you no guarantee on the future because, when people are emotional with their temperament, anything can happen in the game. That must show in attitude.”

Radamel Falcao is still lacking match fitness but remains the club’s only doubt for the Old Trafford clash, meaning that Loic Remy is expected to start in Costa's absence.

Eden Hazard and Jon Obi Mikel, who came on as substitutes against Watford, are in contention to start, possibly at the expense of Cesc Fabregas, who came off at half-time.

Provisional squad

Courtois, Begovic, Ivanovic, Fabregas, Zouma, Rahman, Ramires, Oscar, Falcao, Hazard, Mikel, Traore, Kenedy, Pedro, Remy, Matic, Willian, Cahill, Terry, Blackman, Azpilicueta, Loftus-Cheek, Djilobodji