Chelsea can’t win the title without this player – Paul Merson

The Spaniard has endured a frustrating couple of weeks after reports emerged of a fall-out with Antonio Conte amid back injury concerns.

Diego Costa, who is the subject of interest from China, was also dropped from Chelsea's 3-0 win over Leicester last weekend.

But he is expected to return for Chelsea's clash with Hull tomorrow (4.30pm), when he will be hoping to add to his 14 league goals this season.

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Diego Costa is expected to play against Hull tomorrow

Diego Costa snapped with Antonio Conte in training
Tue, January 17, 2017

Click through the gallery for the best snaps of Diego Costa's training ground reunion

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Click through the gallery for the best snaps of Diego Costa's training ground reunion

It has to be Costa, Chelsea can't win the league without him

Paul Merson

Chelsea sit seven points clear at the top of the table, and former Arsenal player-turned-pundit Merson insists Costa has a vital part to play in their quest to become champions.

Asked who Chelsea's most important player is, Merson told Sky Sports: "It has to be Costa, Chelsea can't win the league without him.

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Diego Costa has netted 14 league goals for the Blues this season

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Antonio Conte's Chelsea sit seven points clear at the top of the table

"People will point to the fact that they've won the two games without him 3-0 but it's in the long-term that he's important.

"He's going to be a lot more important as the season gets harder, with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal coming up. When it becomes a fight you need him up front as a focal point."

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