Diego Costa set to miss Manchester City encounter as FA hand him three-match ban

Costa handed ban for stepping on Emre Can’s foot

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been handed a three match ban for stamping on Liverpool's Emre Can, during the Capital One Cup semi-final . The 26-year old will miss Saturday's crucial clash at Stamford Bridge.

He will also go onto miss their matches against Aston Villa and Everton.

The incident was not seen by the match officials, but it was caught on camera. The FA said in an official statement: “Diego Costa will serve a with immediate effect after a charge of violent conduct against him was found proven by an independent regulatory commission on Friday 30 January 2015.

“The Chelsea forward had denied the charge in relation to an on-field incident involving Liverpool’s Emre Can which occurred in the 12th minute of the League Cup semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday 27 January 2015."

However, the FA did say that the second stamp on Liverpool defender, Martin Skrtel was unintentional.

Costa has scored 17 goals in 19 games for Chelsea this season and would be a major absence in a potentially title-deciding encounter this weekend.