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Loic Remy knows he has to bring a physical presence without Costa

Dylan Martinez / Reuters

Loic Remy is prepared to assume the role of Chelsea's villain up front during Diego Costa's three-match ban.

Remy figures to get the majority of starts in Costa's absence, as the Spanish international will miss the next two matches after the Football Association issued a retroactive ban following Chelsea's victory over Arsenal.

Although Remy is known more for his clinical finish than his physical nature, the French forward is willing to alter his style in order to meet the aggressive standards Costa's set.

"I don't have a choice, I have to do it because when you play for Chelsea it's a question of giving the best, 100 percent, every game. Of course, I will do the best I can," Remy told reporters after scoring in Chelsea's Capital One Cup win over Walsall.

"We will miss Diego because he is so important to the team and winning games, but whoever is on the pitch we just try to do the best we can. It's a shame for us to have lost him for three games."

For Remy, the upcoming matches are an opportunity to prove his worth and perhaps climb manager Jose Mourinho's depth chart after failing to start a league match this season.

He had a chance to leave during the summer transfer window, but felt he had unfinished business at Stamford Bridge, where he hopes to win a regular spot in the first team.

"I just want to feel better and now with the games coming, maybe I have the opportunity to play more," he said. "We will see.

"It's really difficult to spend so much time on the bench and then play, I can't lie. The rhythm is not the same to compare with training. When you come in, you just need to do your best, but, of course, when you are not playing much it is more difficult to do that.

"I cannot complain, though. I want to play and when the manager gives me a chance I just try to score goals and give assists."

If Mourinho doesn't elect to start Radamel Falcao in his place, Remy has an opportunity to start against his former club when Chelsea travels north to take on Newcastle United.

"It's my old club, so it's always a pleasure to play against them," Remy added. "But the manager will decide the best team and pick 11 players so we'll see on Saturday."

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