Chelsea
Chelsea Team News: Conte Confirms Double Injury Boost + Hazard Update
Antonio Conte has confirmed a double injury boost ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Stoke plus he’s provided an update on Eden Hazard.
Chelsea will be looking to continue their fine form when they take on Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Ahead of the game, Antonio Conte has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this afternoon and he’s given reporters a team news and injury update.
The Blues boss confirmed a huge injury boost with the news that Tiemoue Bakayoko is fit and available for selection despite being involved in a minor car accident outside the clubs training ground yesterday.
Danny Drinkwater remains out as the midfielder is still recovering from a calf injury that’s prevented him from making his debut following his deadline day move from Leicester City.
Conte revealed that Drinkwater is the only injury concern meaning Pedro is set to return to the squad after missing the League Cup win over Nottingham Forest having aggravated an ankle injury during the draw with Arsenal last weekend.
Conte also provided an update on Eden Hazard and says the Belgian international is now fully recovered from his foot injury and is able to start matches after coming through the Forest game unscathed in midweek.
The only other piece of team news regards David Luiz and the defender will continue to serve his three-game suspension after being sent off last week but the Brazilian international may have missed out anyway due to a broke wrist.
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The Blues boss said:
Antonio Conte reports that Danny Drinkwater is the only injured player ruled out tomorrow. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 22, 2017
Conte adds that Bakayoko is fine following a minor car accident yesterday. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 22, 2017
Conte says he's pleased for Eden Hazard because he played very well and with good intensity in the last game. His injury is overcome. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 22, 2017
Chelsea head in to the weekend action sitting third in the table and three points adrift of the leaders so Conte will be keen to maintain the pressure by picking up a win at Stoke tomorrow.
