How much will Diego Costa's absence hurt Chelsea's title chances?

Diego Costa’s injury-enforced absence could affect Chelsea badly

Without question, the Diego Costa injury is a massive blow. We are yet to find out just how bad it is but based on his reaction and the way he walked as he left the pitch on Saturday, it's much worse than when he left against Hull. I just wonder how much having him missing will affect us?

After the game Jose Mourinho was asked about Costa’s injury and he responded by saying:

“It’s too early to determine exactly how long he’ll be out. We have to wait 48 hours, do all the scans again. He’ll be out for two weeks for sure, but we still have seven weeks of the season to go and eight matches for sure. Half of it, he has to be with us.”

So, working on the fact that he will miss two weeks as a minimum, that rules him out of QPR and Arsenal. I personally believe he could be out for up to a month, meaning he also misses the game against Manchester United.

It was always going to be a risk with Costa after we had seen him suffer due to his hamstrings last season in La Liga that subsequently cost him in the Champions League Final.

I guess you can work as much as possible on preventing that kind of injury but there is always going to be a risk. At Stamford Bridge on Saturday, those concerns came to fruition and we are all asking ourselves this morning if his injury could cost us during the run in for the title.

Remy has proven that he can do the job for Chelsea

Is Remy the answer when push comes to shove?

One thing Remy has done is score goals. He came to Chelsea knowing he was a backup to Costa but whenever he has been given a chance, he has delivered. I see no reason for anyone to worry if he is able to deliver between now and the end of the season.

Remy gives our opponents a different problem to contend with - pace. Costa is quick and skillful but Remy is quicker. His movement is just as good as Costa's off the ball as we have seen on numerous occasions this season. Most importantly, Remy has developed an instant understanding with Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard which is key and it bodes well for us.

You cannot really compare Diego Costa and Loic Remy as they are very different players. Remy is quick and nimble, he will always look to get in behind whereas Costa is a thug up front who likes to mix it up with opposition defenders in addition to making runs into space.

The problem will arise if Remy gets a knock and has to miss out. I don't think that Didier Drogba would be the answer as he plays out the final moments of his career before moving into coaching. It was a wise move by Mourinho to remove Remy from the game on Saturday to protect him in light of what happened to Costa.

Conclusion

To lose our top goalscorer is a massive blow and of course we would want him fit and playing as he is the best option we have at the club right now. However, Loic Remy has proven at Chelsea and in the Premier League that he can score goals, so I think we will be alright.

What do you people think of the Costa injury first and foremost and how you feel about Loic Remy coming into the side to start every game?