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Alan Smith: This is what could derail Chelsea's title bid
ALAN SMITH believes a long-term injury to Diego Costa could derail Chelsea's Premier League title challenge.
Diego Costa plays a trick on team physio Marcelo Ribeiro
Costa has starred for Chelsea this season to help the Blues to the top of the Premier League table.
The Spaniard has already scored 13 goals but will miss the Blues' Boxing Day clash with Bournemouth through suspension.
Alan Smith believes an injury to Diego Costa could derail Chelsea's title bid
He’s lethal at the moment, he gives everyone at Chelsea at lift
Michy Batshuayi is set to deputise in place of the 28-year-old against the Cherries.
Smith believes Costa will be sorely missed by Antonio Conte for the match at Stamford Birdge.
And the Arsenal legend adds if Chelsea lost Costa for a long period this season through injury, it would derail the Blues' title bid.
Antonio Conte will be without Diego Costa for Chelsea's clash with Bournemouth
"He’s lethal at the moment, he gives everyone at Chelsea at lift," Smith told Sky Sports.
"Conte will have go a different way for this one match.
"But if they were to lose him to an injury, say five to six weeks, that could derail Chelsea a little bit."
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