Diego Costa has claimed that he "needs to score goals" in order to kick-start his season.

The 26-year-old has netted just once in four Premier League games for Chelsea this term, with a hamstring problem harming his preparations for the new campaign.

The Brazilian-born forward has also only scored once in seven games for Spain and is well aware of his need for goals ahead of his country's upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Slovakia and Macedonia.

"I think what's missing is that I need to score goals. Every game, I'm getting better physically. I know I can give a lot more to the team and hopefully that will start right now. Strikers need to score goals; that's what I've been lacking here," Costa told reporters.

"When I score, my confidence will be higher and everything will come together. We have very skilful players and I don't have any excuses; I have to do things better. I'm getting to know my teammates better and, although the style is different for me, there are great players here. I need confidence. Adapting to this style is easy.

"I feel that I owe the team, I haven't done anything yet. I have to repay the faith that has been placed in me. Maybe I have been a bit nervous but that's why it's important to play well now."

Costa made his Spain debut in March of this year after choosing to represent La Roja over the country of his birth Brazil.