Diego Costa will be unavailable for Chelsea’s Boxing Day meeting with Bournemouth after picking up a yellow card against Crystal Palace.

The Premier League’s joint-top scorer, with 12 goals this season, was booked by referee Jonathan Moss after a late tackle on Joe Ledley in the first-half.

Costa protested his innocence to the official and stressed that it was his first offence yet saw his name taken regardless.

The 28-year-old striker now faces an extended break over the Christmas period, with his suspension lasting until Stoke City’s visit to Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Eve.

Costa has been booked more times than any other Chelsea player in the Premier League this season, with five yellow cards to his name.



Despite his reputation for controversy and indiscipline, Costa is yet to be sent off in a league game for Chelsea.

In March, the Brazilian-born Spain international received his first red card since moving to Stamford Bridge two years ago.