Chelsea will be looking to get back to winning ways when they take on West Bromwich Albion at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.
Antonio Conte has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this afternoon and he’s provided an update on the latest team and injury news ahead of the game.
The Blues boss confirmed a huge injury concern after revealing that Alvaro Morata remains sidelined with a back injury and he has no idea when the striker will be fit again.
Morata has missed Chelsea’s last four games in all competitions with his back issue and Conte has admitted he’s growing increasingly concerned by how long the injury is taking to heal.
The Spaniard’s prolonged absence will open the door for Olivier Giroud to make his full debut after the French international made his first appearance off the bench against Watford following his deadline day move from Arsenal.
There was more positive news regarding the fitness of Pedro as the attacker has been declared available for selection despite limping off against Watford with an apparent ankle injury.
Andreas Christensen sat out the trip to Vicarage Road due to a hamstring injury but the defender could be back in the squad on Monday despite not being able to train today.
Conte told reporters:
Conte reports that Morata will not be available for Monday's game. He does not know how long his recovery will take. Giroud is in contention for the match.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 9, 2018
Pedro, who limped off against Watford, is fit again. Andreas Christensen didn't train with the first team today but may make the squad against West Brom. #CFC
— Vaishali Bhardwaj (@VaiBhardwaj) February 9, 2018
Conte admits he is a "bit worried" about Morata's ongoing back problem. "We are facing a serious situation. [Important] players are missing for a long time. We are trying to find a solution to solve the pain." #CFC
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) February 9, 2018
Elsewhere, Marcos Alonso will also be handed a late fitness test after missing the Watford game with a muscle injury while Ross Barkley is expected to miss out once again with a hamstring injury.
Chelsea head in to the weekend action sitting fourth in the table but with Tottenham just one point behind Conte knows he needs a win on Monday to secure their top four status.
