Antonio Conte refused to be drawn on the cause of the ankle injury that resulted in Thibaut Courtois missing Chelsea’s defeat at Manchester United.
The Blues boss was asked about reports that keeper Courtois was ruled out after hurting himself while playing basketball.
“After a defeat it is not right to go into a different situation,” Conte said.
“Courtois had an injury during the week. For this reason he wasn’t available today. I think it is right to focus on the game and not to find an excuse.”
Chelsea’s 2-0 loss meant they were unable to re-establish a seven-point lead over second-placed Tottenham at the top of the Premier League.
It leaves them under some pressure after a second defeat in four matches, with Spurs in excellent form.
But Conte said: “The pressure is normal. I prefer to fight for the title and have the pressure than not and be calm.
“We are lucky to have the pressure. Last season Chelsea didn’t have it, being in 10th place. We must understand this.”
This post was last modified on 16/04/2017