Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata could return for Bournemouth match

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has suggested that he will select striker Alvaro Morata in his squad to face Bournemouth on Wednesday night.

The Spain international has missed the Blues' last three matches with a back injury and is also understood to be grieving the loss of a close friend.

Morata was initially expected to sit out the midweek visit of Bournemouth, but Conte now expects the 25-year-old - who has failed to score in six outings - to play a part at Stamford Bridge after returning to training.

"Morata probably [will return for the game]. He is going to start the training from Monday, but not with us," he told reporters. "Monday he is going to start [training] for sure, but with an injury of this type you need a bit of time to recovery."

Michy Batshuayi was fielded against Newcastle United at the weekend in Morata's absence and made the most of his latest chance by scoring twice in the 3-0 win.