Conte on injuries, Barkley & Alonso’s fitness, Musonda’s future and his relationship with the board

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Chelsea boss Antonio Conte spoke about a number of issues at a media conference ahead of the game against Newcastle. Here’s some of what the Italian had to say.

On Chelsea’s injuries

“Morata and Courtois are out. Morata has this problem in his back and Courtois took a kick in his ankle.

“Fabregas trained with us today and tomorrow I will check his physical condition and form. This is good news for us.”

On Willian’s hamstring problem

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“He is out. Today he was with the doctor with the intention to have a scam to evaluate his injury, but I don’t think we are talking about a serious injury.”

On whether signings are likely

“As you know very well, for news about the transfer market, there is the club.

“The club will inform if there is news. As I said before, I think I’m repeating every three days, I will be very happy to continue to work with my players. I will be very happy if there are some players. It doesn’t change my opinion after only three days.”

On his relationship with the board

“I think this is normal. At the same time this is something I do not want to discuss with you.”

On Marcos Alonso playing so many games

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“I am not worried. Also last season we faced this situation in the same way. He is ready to play, and play every game.”

On Ross Barkley’s return to fitness

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“If you want to accelerate the process, he has to play, not just a training session – especially in this moment with Willian and Alvaro Morata injuries as we don’t have other options.

“After a bad injury you need a bit of time to be fit 100%.”

On whether Charly Musonda will leave on loan

“To sell, to buy and go on loan – the club will inform you. He is available on Sunday.”

On whether the FA Cup is of added importance now Chelsea are out of the Carabao Cup

“Every competition is important. The Carabao Cup, we tried to go to the final. We lost against Arsenal, now there is another competition. This competition is very difficult. We will try to go to the next round but there is an opponent who has the same idea.

“The players are happy because the players want to play and want to play every game. In this situation is more difficult for the coach, not the players they love to play and not have training sessions.”