One of the most potent strikers in the world is officially out of Saturday’s massive Premier League clash between Chelsea and Manchester City.
To no one’s surprise, the three-match ban for Diego Costa has withstood his appeal. Costa stamped on Liverpool player Emre Can during Tuesday’s League Cup semifinal, using his plant foot to start a sprint off Can’s ankle.
[ MORE: Costa PL villain No. 1? ]
This further limits Jose Mourinho’s options for Saturday’s match, and will also keep Costa from a trip to Aston Villa and a visit from Everton.
Loic Remy or Didier Drogba are considered the favorites to start at center forward, but don’t rule anything out from the creative Mourinho.
Costa also stamped Martin Skrtel later in the game, as the pair had been involved in a match-long rivalry.
