Conte tells Chelsea duo to grab ‘good opportunity’ to impress him

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma

Antonio Conte is hoping Kurt Zouma and Michy Batshuayi take a “good opportunity” on Sunday to prove they deserve a regular place in his team.

Zouma, 22, will make his first-team return in the FA Cup match against Peterborough at Stamford Bridge following the long-term knee injury he suffered 11 months ago.

He was in excellent form before being sidelined and will now be looking to re-establish himself in the Blues side.

“He’s ready to start. I’m pleased for him. He’s in the starting 11. He deserves to start,” boss Conte said.

“For him it is a good opportunity to show that he is in good form and give me another opportunity when I go to choose the starting 11.

“Kurt’s injury was very bad. For this reason we knew that Kurt needed more time to recover, but now he is in good shape and is ready to restart his career.”

Conte has also suggested that summer signing Batshuayi, who is yet to make his full Premier League debut, will also start this weekend’s third-round tie.

Conte said: “I have an opportunity to see Michy from the start and I think this is important.

“I think for Michy it could be a good opportunity to show me his promise.

“He is working a lot and improving, and I am seeing that he is going into the idea of our football.

“On Sunday for him, but also for other players, it could be a good opportunity to show me that he deserves to play more in the future.”

Youngsters such as Ola Aina are also expected to be involved in Sunday’s match.