Chelsea Team News: Conte Confirms Injury Blow But Key Man Could Return v Man Utd

Chelsea will look to get back to winning ways when they welcome Watford to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

Ahead of the game, Antonio Conte has been speaking at his pre-match press conference this afternoon and he’s given reporters the latest team and injury news.

The Blues boss gave a worrying update on his midfield situation as he suggested that Cesc Fabregas could be his only fit senior centre midfielder available for selection this weekend.

David Luiz was moved in to midfield during Chelsea’s Champions League draw with Roma on Wednesday but the Brazilian international was forced off in the second half with a calf injury.

Tiemoue Bakayoko managed to complete the full ninety minutes but Conte revealed after the game he had picked up a groin problem and it looks like both players are now doubts to face Watford.

Danny Drinkwater is back in light training as he steps up his recovery from a calf injury that’s hampered him since he joined the club from Leicester in the summer but this weekend’s game will come too soon.

N’Golo Kante is also still unavailable as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury but Conte says he hopes to have the midfielder back before the international break.

Kante is expected to miss the upcoming games against Watford, Everton and Bournemouth but he could return to face Roma and Man Utd before the players head off with their countries next month.

Antonio Conte says he cannot report on the likely team for tomorrow as he has injury doubts over several players. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 20, 2017

Asked if Fabregas might be his only fit central midfielder vs Watford, Conte says: "Could be, yes." #cfc

— Darren Lewis (@MirrorDarren) October 20, 2017

Conte on Kante: "I hope to have him back before the next international break." Could he face Roma and Man U?: "Yeah, could be an option."

— Darren Lewis (@MirrorDarren) October 20, 2017

Conte reports Danny Drinkwater is progressing well with his recovery. He has started to do part of the training sessions. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 20, 2017

Chelsea head in to the weekend action sitting fifth in the Premier League table after their defeat at Crystal Palace last weekend so Conte will be desperate to get back to winning ways against Watford tomorrow.