Conte praises Kenedy and defends Batshuayi

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Antonio Conte praised Kenedy and defended Michy Batshuayi after Chelsea’s FA Cup draw at Norwich.

Chelsea face a replay after a goalless encounter at Carrow Road, where Batshuayi again failed to make an impact in front of goal.

Kenedy also featured, as did the returning David Luiz, in a much-changed line-up.

Blues boss Conte, who made nine changes to his team, said: “I made many rotations and I’m very happy with Kenedy’s performance. And David Luiz came back after one and a half months.

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“I’m pleased for Michy’s commitment. He tried to work for the team.

“When a striker plays he wants to score, but I’m pleased for his commitment and his work for the team. He has to continue to work and to improve.

“Don’t forget that Michy is a young player. He has a lot of space for improvement in his career.”

The result means yet another match for Chelsea in an already busy schedule.

Conte admitted: “For sure there is a bit of disappointment because we have another match in a schedule that is so busy. It’s not simple.”