Michy Batshuayi transfer situation 'not the best' for Chelsea ahead of Bournemouth clash, says Antonio Conte

Uncertain future: Michy Batshuayi
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30 January 2018

Chelsea coach Antonio Conte has revealed he spoke with striker Michy Batshuayi on Tuesday to see if he will be in the right frame of mind to play against Bournemouth on Wednesday.

Batshuayi has been provisionally named in Chelsea’s squad despite being targeted for a loan move by at least two clubs.

The Belgium international wants to leave in order to play regularly and secure a place in Belgium’s World Cup squad and Borussia Dortmund and Sevilla are in the hunt.

He could be part of the deal which sees Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang join Arsenal as Dortmund won’t let that £55m deal be completed until they get a replacement and Batshuayi is their main target.

Meanwhile, Chelsea won’t let Batshuayi leave either unless they get someone else in and they have been in talks with Arsenal over Olivier Giroud.

When asked if Batshuayi is mentally ready to face Bournemouth under the circumstances, Conte told Standard Sport: “For sure, in this type of situation, the coach has to speak with the player, no? With the player involved in this type of situation.

“It's not simple, this situation with Batshuayi. There is only one day. It's not the best situation for me or the player but, as you know very well, the transfer market in January is not simple. To find a solution for players coming in and going out.

“But the player knows very well the situation. Today he trained well and I prepared the game with him. But you don't know what will happen tonight or tomorrow. We must be ready to face every situation. It's not the best situation to face, but we have to face it.

“Against Newcastle (he scored two goals in 3-0 win), I decided to start with him and this showed, for me, that the most important thing is the present, not the future. If you look to the future, you risk making a lot of mistakes.”

Conte’s decision making is made even more complicated with the news that Alvaro Morata (back) and Willian (hamstring) are injured.

The Italian could still opt to play Eden Hazard as a ‘false nine’ by fielding Pedro and January signing Ross Barkley on either side.

Chelsea can’t afford to drop any points against Eddie Howe’s side as they are in a tight battle with Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal to finish in the top four this term.

Conte added: “Tomorrow is a big challenge for us. This period is finishing – the transfer market period – and, for us, it will be very important. For many reasons, you can have distractions.

“But I'm very happy because I have players with great focus and, also, today the training was positive, was great.

“To miss Morata, Willian and have this situation with Batshuayi in the balance it's not simple to face this game. But no excuses. Don't find excuses. Try and get three points.

“We have to play a team who have rested for 10 days and have had a lot of time to prepare this game, rather than us playing every three days. For this reason, the game tomorrow won't be easy for us.”

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