Diego Costa and N’Golo Kantè will miss Chelsea‘s Premier League clash with Bournemouth on BoxingDay through suspension.
The Blues pair both picked up their fifth bookings of the campaign respectively in the 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace today and as a result must now sit out the clash with the Cherries at Stamford Bridge.
Costa, who scored the only goal at Selhurst Park with a header late in the first-half, had gone 11 games without being cautioned prior to the London derby but that run lasted just 21 minutes into the game.
Meanwhile, Kante picked up his booking on the hour mark in what was is the only downside on a day in which Chelsea recorded an 11th successive win in English football’s top flight and opened up a nine-point lead at the top of the table.
With Costa out, Conte is likely call upon summer signing Michy Batshuayi to lead the line on Boxing Day. The Belgian international was a late introduction against the Eagles but hasn’t started a league game this season.
Meanwhile, Kante could be replaced in midfield by Cesc Fàbregas against the Cherries as he looks to make a first start at Stamford Bridge in the league this season.
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