Illness rules Drinkwater out of West Ham game

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Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater is unavailable for Saturday’s derby at West Ham because of illness.

Blues boss Antonio Conte has confirmed that Drinkwater will miss out this weekend and that David Luiz will again be absent.

Conte added that he will assess the fitness of other players before deciding his line-up for the game at the London Stadium.

Conte said: “David is out with a knee problem and Danny Drinkwater because he is sick with a fever.

“We (also) have to check a couple of situations and make the best decision for tomorrow’s game. I have to check their physical condition.

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“After all these games it is normal to check. A player could be tired and we must make the right decision.

“I don’t want to tell you who these two or three players are.”

Luiz, who has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, was recently dropped by Conte and has since only featured in last month’s Champions League win against Qarabag.

Asked how long he expects Luiz to be unavailable, the Italian replied: “I must be honest, I don’t know the right time.

“In this case I think the doctor can speak about this situation and be more accurate.”