Alvaro Morata and Andreas Christensen have both been ruled out of Chelsea’s game against Watford.
Chelsea have been boosted by the outcome of initial tests on Christensen’s hamstring injury, which suggest the problem is not overly serious.
But the Danish defender, who limped off during the first half of this week’s home defeat by Bournemouth, will not be available for Monday’s game.
Striker Morata, meanwhile, is still struggling with the back injury which has kept him out of recent matches.
And Blues boss Antonio Conte has indicated that new signings Olivier Giroud and Emerson Palmieri might have to wait for their debuts.
Conte also suggested that Willian, who has had a hamstring problem, could be available to return.
“We have to wait because don’t forget that especially for Palmieri we are talking about a player who is coming back from a bad injury,” Conte explained.
“Olivier is coming from a muscular injury and was out for 15 days before playing 15 minutes (for former club Arsenal) in the game against Swansea.
“He is starting to work with us and it is difficult to see him starting.
“We have to make the best decision to bring these two players in the best physical condition and then to work with them.
“It is important to adapt to our idea of football.”
Morata was expected to make a quick recovery from his injury and his continued absence leaves Chelsea short of attacking options given that Giroud is not fully fit and Michy Batshuayi has joined Borussia Dortmund on loan.
“Alvaro is still out. I hope to be able to solve this situation,” Conte said.
“For a problem in his back he is missing a lot of games and this is not a good situation for me, for Alvaro and for the team.
“I hope in the future for the medical department to sort this situation out.
“Then about Christensen, the first clinical exam was positive but we have to wait.
“For sure he is out against Watford and I have to check a couple of other situations before the game.”
This post was last modified on 02/02/2018
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Clearly Chelsea did not come to the Party against Bournemouth last week It was a shameful display of the current EPL Champions. Now they are struggling to make the top 4. Wish the lads well. We should not take anything away from Bournemouth they were brilliant.on the day! And they had a jolly good Party!
Conte a great coach i love so much just like Ancelloti but too stubborn. Rotate 343 with 433 atimes i bet it with you, with right selection you will be flying upthere.
Conte please use Olivier Giroud against watford. Please im begging wit the name of God
Conteh should look his back line sheet burnemouth the back look so bad
Bakayoko, Alvaro Morata, Drinkwater, Barkely, Emerson and Giroud were all injured from their former clubs yet chelsea think they are thé best that can help the club knowing very well that it Will take time to Come back to form.
Chelsea now buys recapturing players.
Just too bad!