Chelsea's top scorer Diego Costa has been left out of the squad for their Premier League clash with Leicester City, amid talk of a bust-up with manager Antonio Conte.
The Spanish international has 14 league goals so far this season, more than any other player in the top flight, and found the net just seven minutes into the reverse fixture in October.
But Costa has reportedly fallen out with Conte after complaining of back problems, claims which the
Daily Mail reports have been dismissed by the club's staff.
According to the paper, Conte has sided with his staff on the matter, casting doubt on Costa's Blues future.
The Mail also reports that Costa's representatives are in China to negotiate a deal for the divisive striker to move to the lucrative Chinese Super League.
Chelsea fans are torn on the matter, with some remaining loyal to their striker.
https://twitter.com/CriminalCosta/status/819970792339423232
Not everyone, though.
https://twitter.com/FieldyCFC/status/819984268776579073
And others seem convinced that Costa is on his way out.
https://twitter.com/DeanJonesBR/status/819975777269796869
https://twitter.com/jabennett_/status/819971295291015168
Theories began to emerge about how it all panned out.
https://twitter.com/TheM_L_G/status/819972917517840384
Or what it means.
https://twitter.com/MichaelKeshani/status/819979218553606144
It feels a bit out of character for Costa. No, wait, the other thing.
https://twitter.com/FootballCliches/status/819983106199449601
It also feels a bit out of character for Conte. No, wait, we really need to stop saying things like this.
https://twitter.com/ThatDamnYank/status/819980688275304448
Could it provide an opportunity for someone else to challenge Costa in the race for the golden boot? Hey, stranger things have happened.
https://twitter.com/Billie_T/status/819985175744565250
Timing's everything, isn't it.
https://twitter.com/FutbolsaCountry/status/819975428693757953
