Joe Cole: This is what makes me nervous about Chelsea’s title bid

Chelsea are already eight points clear at the top of the Premier League after just 22 games and are favourites for the title.

But the Blues' season almost came off the rails earlier this month after a bust-up between Antonio Conte and Costa over an £30m-per-year offer for the striker from China.

Costa has since returned to the fold and marked his comeback with a goal in the 2-0 win over Hull on Sunday.

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Joe Cole is nervous an injury to Diego Costa could derail Chelsea's title bid

However, Cole believes any injury to the Costa could damage Chelsea's title hopes.

Cole told CFC Fan TV: "Already his team has got his personality. They look strong.

"You can’t see anything else than Chelsea winning the league now.

"The only thing that would make me a little bit nervous is if Costa picks up a long-term injury.

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Click through the gallery to reveal the five most valuable Chelsea players according to CIES Football Observatory stats

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Chelsea star Diego Costa has 15 Premier League goals this season

"Tottenham look like a good team this year, which is bad news.

"Harry Kane and Dele Alli would get into most teams around the world. Apart from that, I still think Chelsea are a good couple of gears ahead of them.

"You’ve got to give [Conte] credit, he’s come over to a new country and it must be so hard because he’s such an expressive man.

"I imagine most of his management skills are his emotional connection and how he speaks to people and to go to another country and do that must be so hard."

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