Zouma personally apologizes to Costa for calling him ‘a cheat’

Mourinho was angered by the decision but, having already been forced to face Walsall without the Spain worldwide, must now plan for the clash with Steve McClaren’s struggling side without Costa.

On his day, both the France and Colombia internationals are a deadly force and it promises to be a real challenge for Mourinho to choose one of the two.

“I spoke to him and said, “Sorry, mate” because I didn’t want to say that”. “I have to do it because when you play for Chelsea it’s a question of giving the best, 100 per cent, every game”, he said.

“It is better I don’t talk too much as I’m still angry about it”, he added. With the games coming, maybe I have an opportunity to play more. We have seen before that disapproval from other managers and players does not seem to work when it comes to changing his ways, so I would highly doubt any normal punishment will. This might sound harsh, but I believe the only way to stop Costa acting like this is really to make an example out of him.

“But I can’t complain”. I was surprised with the quality of their play. The club captain Terry returned in midweek for the tie against Walsall after being left on the bench for the Arsenal game.

Newcastle have been in atrocious form throughout 2015.

Despite being without Costa, Lawrenson predicts that Jose Mourinho’s team will build on that win against the Gunners, thanks to Newcastle’s current deficiencies – especially the fact United have only scored three goals in six Premier League matches.

Newcastle were jeered off by their fans after another woeful display that leaves them with just four victories in 2015.

Whether it’s a statement to derail his team’s opponent, motivate his club, or manipulate the media, the charismatic Portuguese has it all.

Gabriel was given a straight red card by the referee, Mike Dean, in last Saturday’s game at Stamford Bridge after he backed towards Diego Costa and flicked a boot at the striker’s shins. “But it’s a situation I have to deal with, by working hard and staying positive”. I’ve arrived from a team which won the Dutch title last season, so it’s hard.

Dutch defender Daryl Janmaat is a doubt, after illness forced the full-back off at half-time during the 1-0 defeat in midweek.