Conte pleased with Morata’s fitness
Antonio Conte says he is pleased with Alvaro Morata’s fitness following the Chelsea striker’s recent return to action.
Morata, who was struggling with a back injury, is expected to feature in Friday’s FA Cup game against Hull and should be available for next week’s Champions League clash with Barcelona.
Blues boss Conte explained: “Alvaro now is training with us regularly, every day. His physical condition is improving.
“Tomorrow I think he will play a part of the game and he will be ready for the game against Barcelona in the Champions League.”
Conte’s attacking options have been limited this season, with Eden Hazard sometimes asked to perform the role of centre-forward.
But Morata’s apparent return to fitness and the recent signing of Olivier Giroud have given the Blues a timely boost.
“Don’t forget that for a lot of the time we have had to try to play Hazard as a number nine,” said Conte.
“It’s very important to have all your players available and in this case to have two number nines, Morata and Giroud, to have two options, is very important for us.”
