Conte brushes aside Costa’s China link

London: Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says, he is pleased to “finish the speculation” linking Diego Costa to China after he scored on his return as they beat Hull City 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. The win move Chelsea eight points clear at the top of the Premier League. The Spanish striker missed last weekend’s 3-0 win over champions Leicester, citing a back injury after a disagreement with a fitness coach, amid reports of Chinese Super League interest.

But the Blues’ top scorer- cheered throughout the game by home fans- returned against struggling Hull and had an early impact, sending an effort from 20 yards fizzing just wide after only 10 seconds. He got the opening goal when he converted Victor Moses’ low cross from eight yards out in the seventh minute of firsthalf injury time. The long stoppage was a result of a head injury to Hull midfielder Ryan Mason, who went to hospital after being carried off on a stretcher wearing an oxygen mask following a clash of heads with Chelsea defender Gary Cahill.

Hull played well but lacked cutting edge without the injured Robert Snodgrass and Cahill sealed the win when he headed home Cesc Fabregas’ free-kick. Meanwhile, Hull midfielder Ryan Mason has had surgery after fracturing his skull. Mason, 25, clashed heads with Chelsea defender Gary Cahill 13 minutes into the match. He was carried off on a stretcher wearing an oxygen mask after receiving eight minutes of treatment and taken to St Mary’s Hospital in London. “Ryan is in a stable condition and expected to remain in hospital for the next few days,” said a Hull statement. -BBC