Boss Antonio Conte says he is happy with Alvaro Morata’s contribution during the striker’s five-game goalless run.
Morata has scored eight goals so far this season, but has not scored since the Champions League victory away against Atletico Madrid at the end of September.
“I am happy for his commitment, his desire will to fight,” Conte said.
“For sure he can do better but Morata is recovering from a muscular problem and when you have this type of problem you need some time to come back in the best physical condition.”
The Spaniard could have scored a first-half hat-trick in the 1-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday.
He missed a great chance, dragging a shot wide after being played in by Eden Hazard, had a goal disallowed for offside and then saw a strike well saved by former Blues goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
But Morata set up the winner, showing good strength and awareness in the middle of the park to play the ball out to Hazard, who ran on to score.
Conte added: “I am very happy for his performance. He recovered a very important ball in transition.”
This post was last modified on 30/10/2017