Chelsea vs Leicester: Diego Costa left out of squad

Diego Costa has been left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad to play Leicester City.

The striker was not expected to feature in the game and his absence was officially confirmed by the club’s teamsheet.

According to Sky sources, Costa has fallen out with Blues boss Antonio Conte and it is understood he did not train with the first team for three days prior to the game, after he was the subject of a £30m-per-year offer from a club in the Chinese Super League.

Sky sources understand the Spain striker has become unsettled by the approach from China, which would make him one of the highest paid footballers in the world, and he became embroiled in an argument with two fitness coaches.

Sky sources understand that owner Roman Abramovich has no intention of selling Costa, who has two-and-a-half years left on his contract.

Graeme Souness believes Chelsea will risk missing out on the Premier League title if they lose Costa.

“This is the very last thing Chelsea need. He is playing out of his skin. They lose him and all of a sudden they are not going to win the Premier League,” he told Sky Sports News HQ.

“If sense prevailed, maybe he could stay until the end of the season. There has to be a way around this where everybody can be happy.”