Morata ban ‘a big loss’ for Chelsea – Conte

Antonio Conte has admitted that Alvaro Morata being suspended for Saturday’s game at Everton is “a big loss” for Chelsea.

Morata came off the bench and scored an injury-time winner against Bournemouth in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final.

But the Spaniard’s celebration earned him a fifth yellow card of the season, meaning he must now serve a ban.

Blues boss Conte said: “It is a big loss for us, especially as we have to play a tough game against Everton. It’s a pity, but we have to accept it.”

Morata came on for Michy Batshuayi, who was given a chance to impress but failed to make an impact.

Conte has opted to play without a recognised striker in a couple of recent matches, deploying Eden Hazard in a central role.