Matic backs Batshuayi after Costa ban

Michy Batshuayi has been backed to make an impact against Bournemouth on Boxing Day by Chelsea team-mate Nemanja Matic.

The Belgian striker is in line to replace the suspended Diego Costa for his first Premier League start since joining the Blues in the summer.

His 10 substitute appearances in the league so far total just 77 minutes, with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte suggesting on Saturday that Batshuayi was struggling to adapt to English football.

But speaking to Chelsea’s website, midfielder Matic said Batshuayi has learned a lot from training alongside Costa.

“Of course he has benefited from working with him,” Matic said.

“It was the same with me seven years ago. It was very good for me to see how Frank Lampard played, how Michael Ballack played and Michael Essien.

“So it is good for Michy and a good experience for him to see Diego’s movement.

“He [Batshuayi] works very hard every day and has a lot of quality for sure.

“We won’t have Diego against Bournemouth but I hope Michy will be the man to decide the game. If he does that it will be good for us.

“He is a great striker, for sure, that is why Chelsea bought him. I’m sure if he gets a chance to score in the next game, he’ll take it.”