Remy ready to get physical in Costa's absence

Chelsea striker Loic Remy says he is prepared to get physical if he fills in for Diego Costa during the striker's three-match suspension.

Costa has been given a retrospective ban for his clash with Laurent Koscielny during the club's 2-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday.

He sat out the first match of his suspension in the Capital One Cup victory over Walsall on Wednesday, with Falcao disappointing in his absence.

Remy could be called upon to replace Costa for the games against Newcastle and Southampton and he is ready to adapt his game accordingly to replicate his team-mate's robust style.

"I don’t have a choice," he replied when asked if he was willing to change his style. "I have to do it because when you play for Chelsea it’s a question of giving the best, 100 per cent, every game. Of course, I will do the best I can.

"We will miss Diego because he is so important to the team and winning games, but whoever is on the pitch, we just try to do the best we can. It’s a shame for us to have lost him for three games.”

Remy has been forced to play second fiddle to Costa since joining the club from QPR last August and he admits he considered his future at the club over the summer.

"I just want to feel better and now with the games coming, maybe I have the opportunity to play more,” he added.

“It’s really difficult to spend so much time on the bench and then play, I can’t lie. The rhythm is not the same compared to training."