Chelsea team news: Alvaro Morata to miss Huddersfield trip with back problem

Antonio Conte is poised to rotate his options at the John Smith's Stadium as he seeks an immediate response to the loss at West Ham

Tuesday 12 December 2017 10:02 GMT
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Alvaro Morata is set to miss the game at Huddersfield with a back problem
Alvaro Morata is set to miss the game at Huddersfield with a back problem (AFP)

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Alvaro Morata is set to miss Chelsea's trip to Huddersfield with a back problem.

Antonio Conte is poised to rotate his options as he seeks an immediate response to the loss at West Ham, but Morata is not available.

The Spaniard, who has scored 10 goals since his summer move from Real Madrid, played the full 90 minutes on Saturday but has remained behind for the trip to the John Smith's Stadium on Tuesday evening.

"Morata is out. He is a bit tired and he has a problem in his back," the Italian said. "I think when you play every three days, it is impossible to have a training session and to work on the physical aspects. It's impossible. It's impossible because you have to prepare with the players for a game every three days.

"I think we have to face the reality and will try to do our best. If I stay here to complain it is not the right way. We have to try to do our best.

"For sure it is difficult because to face a game every three days is not simple, especially if your squad is not big, but at the same time, we have to face this situation.

"Some players can be tired, that's normal because some players are playing from this summer and our tours in China and Singapore.

"But I repeat we have to find the best solution. We have to find more rotations. I'm doing this, we will try and do our best with hunger and desire. We will fight."

Midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko could also be rested after his half-time substitution at the London Stadium, while midfielder Danny Drinkwater (illness) and defender David Luiz (knee) could come into contention, with both being monitored.

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