Alvaro Morata in line for Chelsea return against Bournemouth

Vaishali Bhardwaj29 January 2018

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata could return from injury to face Bournemouth on Wednesday, Antonio Conte has confirmed.

The striker missed Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round win over Newcastle and the Blues' defeat to Arsenal in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg four days earlier due to a back injury.

Morata has struggled in front of goal of late but, despite the fine form of Michy Batshuayi who scored twice against Newcastle, is likely to slot straight back into Conte's starting line-up when fit.

That could be next Wednesday at Stamford Bridge when Chelsea host Bournemouth in the Premier League, with Conte telling reporters: "Morata probably [will return for the game].

Getty Images

"He is going to start the training from tomorrow, but not with us.

"Tomorrow he is going to start for sure, but with an injury of this type you need a bit of time to recovery."

Should Morata not recover from his back injury in time, Conte could choose to stick with Batshuayi up front - should the Belgian choose not to leave on loan - or have Eden Hazard play as a false No.9.

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