Conte laments Costa & Kante ban

Antonio Conte admits Chelsea will miss "important players" Diego Costa and N'Golo Kante after the pair picked up yellow cards against Crystal Palace.

Brazilian-born Spain international Costa was cautioned by referee Jon Moss for a challenge from behind on Joe Ledley in the 21st minute of Chelsea's 1-0 Premier League win over Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Costa's yellow card, his fifth of the season but his first in 11 games since the 3-0 defeat at Arsenal on 24 September, means he will miss the game against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on 26 December.

He will be joined on the sidelines by France midfielder Kante, who was also booked by Moss for persistent fouling.

"It is a pity. Diego Costa's yellow card, I don't know if he deserved it. It happened and now we try a different solution," the Italian said.

"Diego and N'Golo Kante are important players for us. The next game is at home and we need our fans to push us."

Chelsea's win at Palace was the Blues 11th straight win in the Premier League since a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal on 24 September, but Conte says his players must keep their focus with 21 games of the season to go.

"You can always improve in different aspects. I am pleased with this level we have reached and with work we can improve," he continued.

"It is important to understand we are only at the 17th game in the season. There are two games before the half way. We are working very well and are in a good position. We must not look at he table and continue. We must not look at our rivals and continue work hard ourselves."

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew feels his side are on an upward curve, following the creditable performance against the league leaders and Wednesday's narrow 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.

"We are showing in the last two games what we have shown most of the year," he said.

"A strong performance but they did not give us anything. That was a good as defensive display we have seen. Once we conceded, it was very difficult. It is a shame because we had some good chances in the first half.

"We could not get Wilfried Zaha isolated. We kept the ball and passed it well, but they final pass was very difficult. For our offensive players, it was the toughest game they have had. This team is not getting what it is deserves, that will change."

Photo (Getty Images/Clive Rose)

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