Costa taken to hospital after Chelsea’s cup exit

Diego Costa was taken to hospital with an apparent rib injury after going off during the first half of Chelsea’s Capital One Cup clash with Stoke.

Striker Costa, who has been plagued by fitness problems during his time with the Blues, was replaced by Loic Remy just after the half-hour mark at the Britannia Stadium.

Remy went on to score an equaliser in the final minute of normal time but Chelsea went out on penalties and have won only one of their last seven matches.

Boss Jose Mourinho nevertheless praised his players, insisting they had answered their ‘stupid’ critics with their performance.

Chelsea face Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Saturday.