Antonio Conte is without two first-team players as Chelsea prepare to face Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium on Tuesday.
Chelsea travel to the John Smith’s Stadium on Tuesday to take on Huddersfield Town, looking to get back to winning ways after a shock defeat at West Ham United last weekend. Ahead of the game, Antonio Conte has been dealt a huge blow, with Alvaro Morata out with injury.
The Spanish striker has sustained a minor back injury and has not travelled to West Yorkshire with the rest of the Chelsea squad. In Morata’s absence, Michy Batshuayi could be thrust into the starting lineup, with the Belgian striker completing his recovery from an ankle injury.
David Luiz, too, is on the treatment table as he continues his rehabilitation from knee injury. In the Brazilian’s stead, Andreas Christenen should carry on at the heart of the back-three. There is some good news though, with Danny Drinkwater recovering from illness.
Chelsea top scorer Alvaro Morata set to miss Huddersfield trip due to back injury https://t.co/ankzKaLKmu #CFC pic.twitter.com/n3kGnUei2r
— Chelsea FC Scout (@ChelseaFCScout) December 11, 2017
But, Conte iterated in his pre-match press conference that the English midfielder is unlikely to start on Tuesday, with his physical condition not the best currently. The Chelsea boss also provided an update on Luiz while elaborating on Morata’s problem.
“Drinkwater started to train on Sunday after his fever. He’s come with us, but for sure after three or four days with a fever, his physical condition is not at the top level. David Luiz is continuing to recover from his knee problem. And Morata is out. He is a bit tired and he has a problem in his back.”
Meanwhile, there could be a few rotations in store on Tuesday, with Conte maintaining time and again that he needs to keep his squad fresh. The likes of Antonio Rudiger, Victor Moses Willian and Pedro would be hoping for a recall.
Huddersfield Town manager David Wagner, on the other hand, can welcome Rajiv van La Parra back in his matchday squad, with the Dutchman serving his three-match ban. But, Jon Gorenc-Stankovic (knee) and Philip Billing (ankle) are on the treatment table, while Kasey Palmer is ineligible to face his parent club.
Michael Hefele is off the treatment table after recovering from an Achilles injury. Tuesday’s game has come too soon for him though, having only returned to training on Sunday.
