Conte keeps Bournemouth guessing over Batshuayi

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has refused to be drawn on whether Michy Batshuayi will play against Bournemouth on Boxing Day.

With Diego Costa suspended, Batshuayi is expected to make his first Premier League start since signing from Marseille in the summer.

However, Conte insisted using the Belgian as a direct replacement was simply one of a number of options at his disposal, and would decide based on what he saw at training.

“I have four days to evaluate the situation and to try to find the best solution for the team,” said Conte, who is also without key midfielder N’Golo Kante.

“In the squad I have different solutions. [There is] the possibility to play some players who until now are not playing a lot, or find another solution. What my eye sees this week is very important.

“This is a good test for us because we play this game without two players who are very important for our team.”

Conte also reaffirmed his belief that Batshuayi – whose 10 substitute appearances in the Premier League this season total just 77 minutes – will need more time to adapt to the rigours of English football.

He said: “If you are a young player, and you are arriving in a new country, for me it’s difficult to adapt because this league is very tough.

“It’s a very physical league, but I think Michy is working very well.

“We must have patience with him to try to help him improve and then the next step is to play more this season.”

However, midfielder Nemanja Matic this week insisted Batshuayi could prove the difference maker against the Cherries, who won at Stamford Bridge last season.