English Premier League leaders Chelsea have been hit with the worse possible news ahead of Saturday clash with Manchester City, a game which is being labeled a title decider by many fans and football pundits.
The west London side will be without the league's leading goalscorer Diego Costa for the Stamford Bridge tie after their appeal against the FA's charge of violent conduct for the Spaniard's heinous foul on Liverpool player Emre Can was dismissed.
The 26-year-old striker, during the Blues' second leg semi-final League Cup encounter with the Reds, was seen stamping on Can. Despite Mourinho's claims that it was an accident, Costa was slapped with a charge by the FA.
Chelsea quickly appealed the charge in an attempt to have the former Atletico Madrid man up and running for their mouth-watering game this weekend. However, an independent regulatory commission ruled that Costa's stamp on Emre Can was deliberate.
Costa will now serve a three-match ban which will also see him miss their games against Aston Villa and Everton.
"Diego Costa will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after a charge of violent conduct against him was found proven by an Independent Regulatory Commission on Friday 30 January 2015," read a statement on the FA's official website.
This means that the Special One could likely be without both Costa and fellow summer signing Cesc Fabregas when they welcome Pellegrini's crew. Although the former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder returned to training on Thursday, there is a big question mark over the 27-year-old playmaker's fitness after damaging a hamstring in a collision with John Terry in the1-0 win over Liverpool.
Diego Costa loses ban appeal and will now serve a 3-match ban
BREAKING: @chelseafc striker Diego Costa banned for three matches after losing appeal against violent conduct. #SSNHQ pic.twitter.com/a1URxvwBE3
— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) January 30, 2015
Jose Mourinho responds to the news that Diego Costa's 3 match ban has been upheld: https://t.co/0hizZIB3G2
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) January 30, 2015
Oh dear Costa is banned for 3 games Mourinho will be livid lol #GoonerFamily
— Karen Gooner B (@crashdown100) January 30, 2015
Purely as a spectacle gutted Costa is suspended for tomorrow's game - Costa vs kompany would of been a great battle
— Philip Neville (@fizzer18) January 30, 2015
The FA standing up and banning Costa for 3 games instead of giving him a petty fine. Brilliant work @FA
— CE Highbury (@ClockEnd1195) January 30, 2015
FA done something right for once. Banned Costa for 3 games instead of just fining him 50p.
— Tom Gordon (@GoonerGordo) January 30, 2015
Other injury doubts include Filipe Luis and Branislav Ivanovich. Can Chelsea still beat the Citizens?
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