Chelsea: Loic Remy ready to replace Diego Costa if Jose Mourinho picks him over Radamel Falcao

Chelsea striker Loic Remy is ready to take the place of Diego Costa in the Premier League trip to Newcastle United on Saturday (25 September) after scoring a goal in the 4-1 League Cup victory over Walsall. Asmir Begovic, meanwhile, has wished Thibaut Courtois a speedy recovery but expressed his delight at having the chance to be the Blues' number one goalkeeper during the Belgium international's absence.

Remy has seen his playing time restricted this season following the arrival of former Manchester United loanee Radamel Falcao to Stamford Bridge. But with first-choice striker Costa serving a three-match ban, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho handed the Frenchman his first starting appearance for the game against Walsall, with Falcao also in the line-up. And while the Colombia international failed to find the net, Remy took the opportunity to score his first goal of the campaign ahead of the visit to his former side.

"It's my old club so it's always a pleasure to play against them, but the manager will decide the best team and pick 11 players, so we'll see on Saturday," he said to Chelsea's official website. "Yes, I'm surprised [about Newcastle's poor start to the season] because they're a big team, a strong team, but I'm sure they will get better soon."

The French star admitted Costa will be missed but he is ready to cover him or even play on the flanks should Mourinho consider that necessary. "I think we will miss Diego because we know how important he is to the team, but we are focused on winning games and whoever is on the pitch will just try to do the best we can. Of course it's a shame for us to lose him for three games," he said.

"When you come in, you try to do your best but when you're not playing much it's more difficult. I can't complain. When the manager wants me to come in I try to score goals and give assists.

"I just try to play the way I play. I don't want to put pressure on myself, I know my qualities and the manager knows he can use me as a striker or out on the side. With the games we have coming, maybe I will have an opportunity to play more."

Meanwhile, Begovic, who moved to Stamford Bridge from Stoke City in the summer to back up Courtois, has has expressed his delight after having played the last four games due to the long-term injury of the Belgium international.

"It's really unfortunate for Thibaut and I wish him a speedy recovery but I'm enjoying the games, enjoying playing, and the main thing is I'm contributing to the team," he said. "I see every game as an opportunity. I'll play when the manager decides to play me and it's just nice to be part of so many games in each competition and obviously the further we go, the more games we'll have, and the players are going to be happy.

"I came here to help the team compete for trophies, so this was a good step forward, we're in the next round and obviously still in contention for the trophy."