Chelsea to assess Emerson’s fitness ahead of Wembley clash

Antonio Conte will assess Emerson Palmieri’s fitness before deciding whether to select him for Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton at Wembley.

Emerson impressed in Thursday’s 2-1 win at Burnley, but it was his first Premier League start since his January move to Chelsea and there are doubts over whether he is fit enough to play twice in quick succession.

Blues boss Conte, who is without the suspended Marcos Alonso, admitted on Friday afternoon he was unsure whether Emerson would start this weekend’s match.

“At this moment it is very difficult to answer this question. Emerson didn’t play many games,” Conte said.

“We are talking about a young player with really good prospects for Chelsea.

“I have two days to make the best decision for Sunday’s game, to understand who are the players who have recovered after yesterday’s game and to decide who is in contention for Sunday’s game.”

Emerson was lively on the left flank at Burnley, delivering the cross which led to Victor Moses scoring the winner.

But Conte believes there is much more to come from the Brazilian.

“I think he played a very good game defensively and offensively,” Conte said.

“For sure, offensively, I think he must be more positive and try to have more one-v-ones, because he has these characteristics.”