Former Chelsea midfielder Glenn Hoddle has expressed his concerns about Diego Costa's fitness ahead of the new season.

The 57-year-old, who also managed the club from 1993 to 1996, has suggested that the Spanish striker is crucial to Chelsea's hopes of retaining the title.

Posting on social media website Kicca, Hoddle said: "I have to say that one of my concerns for Chelsea's chance of winning the league is that if he is out with hamstring trouble too many times I'm not so sure they've got the firepower to replace him.

"That was evident at Wembley on Sunday against Arsenal, they struggled to get in behind, Costa can hold the ball up but he can also get in behind the defence and is a real handful to deal with.

"I'm not sure Falcao and Remy have got enough in their locker to replace him."

Costa scored 20 goals in 26 Premier League appearances last season.