The Premier League's all-time leading scorer Alan Shearer believes Chelsea will face a 'huge uphill struggle' to win the title if Diego Costa leaves.
Standard Sport understands Costa is the subject of a mega offer from China and the striker was left out of Chelsea's trip to Leicester on Saturday as the Blues won 3-0 at the King Power Stadium.
Antonio Conte confirmed afterwards that Costa was absent because of a back injury sustained in the build-up to the match at Leicester.
The Italian said he had not been informed by the club of a bid from China but refused to confirm when he expects Costa to return to the Chelsea team.
The Spain international is the club's leading scorer this term with 14 and has laid on a further five for team-mates.
Shearer told the BBC: "Chelsea will miss Diego Costa. He has scored goals, provided assists and been the best player this season. It will be a huge uphill struggle to win the league without him.
"He will dictate the situation. The players have the vast majority of the power. If the player does not want to be there, he will go."
It is understood Costa has been offered a staggering £30 million per year to leave the Blues for China.
And Shearer believes Chelsea should allow the striker to leave the club if his attitude begins to upset the atmosphere.
Diego Costa's Chelsea controversies
He added: "It depends how bad an apple he becomes. If it affects the dressing room, you have to get rid."
Diego Costa Chelsea in training
