Photo: Reuters / Darren Staples

Chelsea legend Ray Wilkins is concerned Chelsea might struggle if Diego Costa is unable to play at any point and believes Antonio Conte needs to sign a cover for Costa in January.

“Chelsea’s squad is very strong right across the board, but you would concede that they are so reliant on the forward areas and what I would say is that they do not have another recognised centre forward other than Diego Costa,” Wilkins told Sky Sports.

“They can play with all these smaller guys and play Hazard through the middle and Michy Batshuayi has come for £30m and we haven’t really seen him yet.

“Of course, there are lots of youngsters out on loan which is another issue. But if they were to lose Costa that would be a massive, massive blow.

“They need another centre forward for sure and they should try and rectify that during the window.”