Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has said that the Blues will miss Diego Costa when he serves a one-match suspension for the game with Bournemouth.

Costa picked up his fifth booking of the season last week, meaning that he will remain on the sidelines when the Cherries make the trip to Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day.

Summer signing Michy Batshuayi is expected to replace Costa, but Courtois describes losing the side's top goalscorer as "a big blow".

The 24-year-old told The Express: "It's a big blow because he's a top striker. He scored his 13th goal of the season and he's in top form.

"He's been one booking away for many games now, so if he'd had a bit more luck he would have stayed like that until the New Year, when it's gone, but hopefully Michy [Batshuayi], or whoever the manager plays there, will do well."

Chelsea will head into the game with at least a six-point advantage at the top of the Premier League table.