Monday 26 December 2016 17:05, UK
Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte says Michy Batshuayi is ready to deputise for suspended striker Diego Costa in Monday's Boxing Day clash with Bournemouth.
Costa has scored 13 times for the Premier League leaders this season but is banned for the Boxing Day fixture after accumulating five yellow cards.
Belgium striker Batshuayi was signed from Marseille in the summer for around £33m, but has yet to make Premier League start.
"Michy, if I decide to put him in the starting XI, is ready to play," Conte said.
"It's not important to talk and put more pressure on him. He must do what he knows, what we are doing in the training sessions. Only this.
"It's important for Michy to continue to work, to continue to improve. I'm sure his moment will arrive."
Batshuayi has had to be patient for a Premier League opportunity and has been linked with a loan move away as a result.
Conte added: "If Michy is here, it's because he deserves to stay here.
"Michy's attitude, his behaviour, have been fantastic. He wants to improve his quality. Technical quality, physical quality.
"We are working a lot with him on tactical aspects.
"But he's showing great commitment, great work-rate during the training sessions, great passion.
"For sure, he wants to play and it's not easy when you have in front of you Costa. Above all this, Costa who is playing fantastic football and scoring a lot of goals."
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