Thibaut Courtois believes Chelsea's 3-0 victory over Premier League champions Leicester City was proof that the club is capable of winning without Diego Costa.
Costa, who was reportedly dropped for Chelsea after a training ground row amid interest from China, did not travel with the team to the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
But Antonio Conte's team eased to victory with two goals from Marcos Alonso and a Pedro header, which is a warning to the rest of the Premier League, according to Courtois.
"Of course we have enough quality to replace Diego," said the Belgian goalkeeper. "Diego is important for us but if he's not there for one game we know we can handle it as well.
"Was this a message to our rivals? Yes, just to see Chelsea won 3-0 and that loss at Spurs didn't affect us, and we can play without Diego if need be.
"I think everybody hoped for us to drop points and we didn't so that was very good."
Chelsea, seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, faces Hull on Sunday in its next Premier League match.
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