MX23RW : Sunday, December 15 21:29:54| >> :60:308:308:

Alvaro Morata 'to delay Chelsea return following death of close friend'

Alvaro Morata 'to delay Chelsea return'
© Offside
Antonio Conte gives Alvaro Morata permission to take time away from his back injury treatment following the loss of a close friend, according to a report.

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata is reportedly grieving the death of a close friend and may delay his return to action.

The 25-year-old has missed the Blues' last two matches through a minor back problem and was already expected to sit out the FA Cup meeting with Newcastle United on Sunday.

According to the Daily Mail, Antonio Conte has given the 25-year-old permission to take time away from his treatment as he comes to terms with the loss of his friend, who died in a car crash.

Morata is now also likely to be absent for the visit of Bournemouth in the Premier League next Wednesday.

Chelsea are seeking another striker to either partner or replace Morata up top, with Edin Dzeko of Roma their top target heading into the final throes of the winter transfer window.

ID:317237: cacheID:317237:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1524:
Written by
Daniel Lewis
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Edin Dzeko in action during the Coppa Italia game between Lazio and Roma on March 1, 2017
Read Next:
Chelsea 'set deadline for Dzeko deal'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Chiefs
@
Browns
6pm
Ravens
@
Giants
6pm
Jets
@
Jags
6pm
Cowboys
@
Panthers
6pm
Washington
@
Saints
6pm
Dolphins
@
Texans
6pm
Bengals
@
Titans
9.25pm
Colts
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Buccaneers
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Steelers
@
Eagles
9.25pm
Bills
@
Lions
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Aston Villa167452425-125
7Bournemouth157352320324
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!