John Terry says Chelsea have proved they can cope without top scorer Diego Costa

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Chelsea have proved they can cope without top scorer Diego Costa, claimed Chelsea captain John Terry.

The 25-year-old striker has been sensational since he was signed for £32m from Atletico Madrid in the summer, scoring nine goals in seven matches so far.

But Costa, after playing two matches for the Spanish national team last week, missed the match at Selhurst Park as he continues to struggle with a hamstring problem.

He missed training today and is a doubt for both the Champions League clash at home to Maribor on Tuesday and the clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

However, Terry has said that the Blues proved they are more than capable of coping without their focal point by beating Crystal Palace on Saturday.

"The one question mark people had about us was whether we could win without Diego," said the former England man.

"He's done so well that people wondered, if he was out, who could come in and do it.

Chelsea are the only unbeaten side in the Premier League with seven wins from their eight games - their only draw was the 1-1 at title rivals Manchester City - and they have scored more goals than any other team.

"We can match everyone, I think. Our football speaks for itself.

"Last season people thought they could get in our faces and distract us but we are as strong as anyone and hungry to win the league. The hunger is in the squad and ­ hopefully that can see us through."

Summer signing Loic Remy started his first Premier League game for the Blues and impressed, luring Damien Delaney into two fouls that led to the Palace defender being sent off.

Terry aded: "Loic Remy was very sharp and has looked it in training. We have Didier Drogba and his qualities. The guys are showing maturity away from home. That’s what is needed from us this year."