Marcos Alonso has dismissed suggestions that Diego Costa is looking to leave Chelsea.
Costa was not included in the matchday squad for Saturday's trip to Leicester City amid reports of a furious row with manager Antonio Conte over a back injury and suggestions the striker is the subject of a lucrative offer from the Chinese Super League.
Chelsea win helps Conte & hurts Costa
Missing the Premier League's joint-highest scorer did not seem to hurt Conte's side too much, though, as Alonso turned a surprise two-goal hero in a 3-0 romp.
"You guys made up the story," Alonso told the BBC afterwards on Costa's future.
"Diego wasn't feeling well because of his back. He's very happy and will have a great enough season at Chelsea."
Gary Cahill also played Costa's absence down, saying Chelsea's victory at the King Power Stadium proves the Premier League leaders can thrive without their spearhead
"Diego is a massive player for us," the vice-captain told BT Sport. "You've seen this season.
Costa to snub China movein January
"He wasn't here and we put Pedro, [Eden] Hazard and Willian up there, so you try and defend against them! It's very difficult.
"But if someone is missing, we produce and we're delighted with the result."