Chelsea are still fretting over the fitness of Brazilian winger Willian, but may see Michy Batshuayi make his first start since moving to Stamford Bridge for a reported £33 million.
Antonio Conte has managed to scrape 2-1 victories in both his games in-charge of Chelsea. On the opening weekend, his side left it late and had to rely on Diego Costa to find the winning goal. It was much of the same a week later, with the Spain international grabbing an 83rd minute goal to give the Blues their second win in as many games.
Going into Saturday’s contest against Burnley, Chelsea are still missing the services of winger Willian who is recuperating from a calf issue. Conte has stated in the press conference that the Brazilian has returned to train with the side, but it is highly unlikely that he will be a part of the matchday squad.
New signing Michy Batshuayi has impressed of late with his dazzling cameos off the bench for Chelsea, and is in line to make his first start for the club since his big-money move from French side Marseille.
Speaking about the Belgian striker, Conte said:
“Batshuayi is a Chelsea player and I can decide to play him tomorrow. He is a young player who is improving a lot. He can improve a lot in the future, but I am impressed with his attitude and his will to improve.
“It’s important to keep pressing him but I can decide to play him at the start tomorrow, yes.”
Chelsea also recently completed the signing of veteran goalkeeper Eduardo from Dinamo Zagreb. According to the Chelsea manager, the player is a vital addition to the squad, but will not be the first or the second choice stopper. Thus, the Portuguese will not be making his Chelsea debut on Saturday
“The situation is very clear. We have three goalkeepers now: the first is Courtois, the second is Begovic, the third is Eduardo.
“We needed a third goalkeeper because [Jamal] Blackman went on loan. We are happy Eduardo is with us.”