Costa picked up his fifth yellow card of the season during the goalless draw at Sunderland on Saturday.

The Spain striker was fortunate not to be given a red card at the Stadium of Light, first kicking out at John O'Shea in the first half and then being booked for appearing to strike Wes Brown with his trailing arm in an aerial challenge.

He will now miss Wednesday's trip to White Hart Lane, but Mourinho insists the absence of his star striker will give Loic Remy or Didier Drogba an opportunity to step up.