Chelsea boss Antonio Conte admits Diego Costa will be a big miss for their clash with Stoke City.

The win at Crystal Palace was soured by key players Diego Costa and Kante picking up their fifth yellow cards of the campaign, which means they will both miss the Boxing Day game against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge and Conte is disappointed that his top-form striker will be unavailable.

He said: "I must be honest, I hoped for Diego to arrive at the game against Stoke without the yellow card. It didn't happen. It's a pity.

"It's a pity because he's in a good moment of form.

"He didn't deserve the yellow card today, I must be honest, but against Bournemouth we have eight days to find a different solution.

"For me, this can be an opportunity to see other solutions or other ideas. But, if you ask me if I'm disappointed to lose him and Kante, yes I'm disappointed."