Chelsea have been with a massive injury blow as Alvaro Morata is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The Spaniard was forced off early on in the 1-0 loss to Manchester City at the weekend, having felt tightness in his hamstring.
Image: PA
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Antonio Conte and everyone connected with Chelsea were no doubt hoping that he would be back in action sooner rather than later but unfortunately for them, that is not the case as widespread reports from outlets such as The Guardian say that the former Real Madrid striker is to be out for up to six weeks with the hamstring injury.
Antonio Conte admitted that starting him at Stamford Bridge on Saturday was a gamble, given that his player limped off Against Atletico Madrid, but played down the severity of the injury.
Image: PA
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However, as per Matt Law from The Telegraph, the Spanish national team, who are also affected by the injury as Morata will miss their two upcoming World Cup qualifiers, have confirmed that an MRI showed a grade two tear, which typically means a six to eight weeks lay-off.
The 24-year old has quickly adapted to English football, scoring seven goals in nine games. And his absence from the side leaves a gaping hole in the Chelsea starting XI.
Image: PA
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Michy Batshuayi, Chelsea's second-choice striker, has scored five in seven outings this season but was overlooked as Morata's replacement against City, with Conte instead opting to bring on winger Willian and deploy Eden Hazard as the furthest man forward.
Can Chelsea cope without Morata for an important run of games?
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Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Chelsea, Alvaro Morata, Premier League
