Chelsea
Chelsea Team News: Conte Confirms Duo Will Start FA Cup Tie As Blues Boss Rotates
Antonio Conte has confirmed that these two players will start Chelsea’s FA Cup third round tie against Peterborough on Sunday as the Blues boss looks to rotate
Chelsea will be looking to book their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup when they take on Peterborough at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
Ahead of the game, Antoino Conte has been speaking at his pre-match press conference this afternoon and he’s given reporters a team news and injury update.
The Blues have no fresh injury worries to content with following Wednesday night’s disappointing 2-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur so Conte’s side are in the unenviable position of having no injuries within their squad.
The Italian coach has admitted that he will freshen things up and give some of his back-up players a chance as Conte has pretty-much used the same eleven players during their superb recent run of form.
Michy Batshuayi has been one of the victims of Conte’s reluctance to rotate but the Chelsea boss has confirmed that the striker will be given a rare chance to impress against Peterborough this weekend.
Conte has also confirmed that Kurt Zouma will be handed his first start in 11 months as the centre-back looks to get his career back on track following a serious knee injury.
Zouma suffered knee ligament damage against Manchester United last season and has been slowly working his way back to full fitness and the Frenchman will be given a chance to stake a claim for a regular first team spot on Sunday.
Conte didn’t divulge any more names from his team sheet this weekend but the likes of Asmir Begovic, Branislav Ivanovic, John Terry, Cesc Fabregas, Willian and Nathan Chalobah will all be hoping for starts after being on the bench at Spurs in midweek.
Here is what Conte told reporters today:
Conte will try to find the right mix including players who have not played a lot, as he wants to progress in the competition. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 6, 2017
Conte says Kurt Zouma will start on Sunday and he is ready and deserves to do so. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 6, 2017
Conte says Zouma's injury was very bad and he knew he needed a long time to recover, but now he is in good shape. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 6, 2017
Conte indicates he will play Batshuayi from the start on Sunday and it is a good opportunity for him. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 6, 2017
