'Costa To Come Back Stronger'   (Sky Sports)

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has backed striker Diego Costa to 'come back strongly' when he returns to the team after he was dropped for the 0-0 draw at Tottenham on Sunday.

The Spain international was on the bench at White Hart Lane following a poor run of form that has seen him score just three Premier League goals this season, although Jose Mourinho played down reports of a 'rift' between himself and Costa.

Costa remained on the bench for the whole of the game and tossed his substitutes' bib over his shoulder in the direction of Mourinho during the closing stages of the contest.

Ivanovic was keen to point out the needs of the team will always come above those of the individual, as Costa pushes for a return for the visit of Bournemouth in the Sky Live clash on Saturday.

"I expect Diego to come back strongly. We start the season as a team and we have to finish as a team," said Ivanovic.

"Sometimes for a player who isn't playing it's difficult but it is a normal situation for the club.

"This is important. When we start losing we all know it's not about the one or two players playing badly or playing well - it's about the team.

"Diego didn't play against Tottenham but he'll be ready for the next game. He scored against Norwich - the winning goal. It's all about the team. We all have to think about that."

Belgium international Eden Hazard impressed in the striker's role in the absence of Costa and could retain his place if Mourinho feels Costa is not ready to return to the starting line-up.

"I have played on the left, on the right, recently in the number 10 role, and I just enjoy playing. I know to give my all wherever I am on the pitch," Hazard told Chelsea TV.

"We want to finish in the top four and we know it's difficult but we will try. We will continue to work hard and continue to take pleasure from our game."