Chelsea team news: Antonio Conte suffers double blow as he confirms two key injuries
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has revealed news that may worry fans ahead of this weekend’s Community Shield.
The Blues face their London rivals Arsenal on Sunday, the clash will take place at Wembley and kick-off is scheduled for 14:00 (GMT).
Conte has confirmed that both Eden Hazard and Tiemouge Bakayoko will miss tomorrow’s clash.
Hazard was already a major doubt going into the game due to a recent ankle operation.
“Only two players, Eden Hazard and Bakayoko [aren’t available],” Conte told reporters at the pre-match press conference.
“They are working to be available soon. For the first PL match? No. There are recovering very well but they are not still ready to start the season.
“You know very well about Eden, an ankle problem, after a surgery it is right to respect the time needed.
“Same for Bakayoko, surgery in his knee, they are hoping to recover very well.”
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Chelsea probable lineup:
Chelsea: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill; Moses, Kante, Fabregas, Alonso; Willian, Batshuayi, Morata
Bakayoko’s absence may prove to be a positive for Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil. The 28-year-old will however have N’Golo Kante to contend with in midfield.
Chelsea’s top goal scorer from last season Diego Costa is also unlikely to feature against Arsenal.
The Spain international has fallen out of favour with manager Conte and has been told that he is surplus to requirements.
Batshuayi is expected to start following a string of impressive displays during pre-season.
Chelsea will be looking to get revenge for their FA Cup final defeat against Arsenal last season. Antonio Conte’s side did however record a 3-0 win over the Gunners during a pre-season friendly in Beijing.
