Batshuayi needs to adapt, Conte admits

Antonio Conte admitted Chelsea will miss the suspended Diego Costa against Bournemouth on Boxing Day, and conceded likely replacement Michy Batshuayi has struggled to adapt to the Premier League.

Costa picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Crystal Palace on Saturday, although he atoned for that by scoring the only goal of the game, his 13th in 17 league appearances this term.

Summer signing Batshuayi, by contrast, has yet to start in the league, and scored once in his 10 substitute appearances, a tap in against Watford in August.

Boss Conte said: “It’s a pity for Diego because he’s in good form. Against Bournemouth, we’ll have to find a different situation.

“This can be an opportunity to see other solutions, other ideas. With Batshuayi, it’s not easy to arrive and to adapt to this league. The football is very tough and very physical.

“I think Michy has great quality. He’s very young and it’ s important for him to work to improve.”