COSTA AND KANTE
Antonio Conte says the Boxing Day absence of Diego Costa and
N'Golo Kante will be a good examination of Chelsea's winning form.
Bournemouth are Monday's visitors to Stamford Bridge, where
Chelsea will be chasing a 12th straight Premier League victory to consolidate
their position of strength six points clear at the top of the table.
Eden Hazard will be part of the squad, but Conte is without
two other men who have played key roles in that long winning run, with
ball-winner Kante and regular goalscorer Costa both suspended.
Costa has scored three winners in Chelsea's past six
games, and Conte said: "For sure they are two important players for us,
that's clear.
"But we are working, we are working very well this week
to try and find the solution to play good football, to continue to win, to take
the three points.
"We all know against Bournemouth it will not be easy,
they are a good team with a good organisation, but we are working very well and
we want to continue.
"I have four days to evaluate the situation and find
the best solution. This is a good test for us because we play this game
without two very important players for our team."
Michy Batshuayi would be a like-for-like replacement for
Costa, but Conte said: "We must be patient with him. The next step for him
is to play more this season."
Frank Lampard was back training at Cobham this week and
looked in good shape according to Conte, who said the club great "wants to
continue playing" after leaving LA Galaxy.
Another Bridge stalwart is off next summer following
confirmation Steve Holland is joining England's coaching staff on a permanent
basis.
"Steve is a very good professional and he is helping me
a lot as he has a lot of experience with Chelsea," Conte said.
"It's a pity to lose him, I must be honest, but I can
understand his choice as this type of situation can arrive only once in life,
to be a coach or assistant coach of your country."
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