Thursday 22 December 2016 23:53, UK
Antonio Conte says the Boxing Day absence of Diego Costa and N'Golo Kante will be a good examination of Chelsea's winning form.
Bournemouth are Monday's visitors to Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea will be chasing a 12th straight Premier League victory to consolidate their position of strength six points clear at the top of the table.
Eden Hazard will be part of the squad, but Conte is without two other men who have played key roles in that long winning run, with ball-winner Kante and regular goalscorer Costa both suspended.
Costa has scored three winners in Chelsea's past six games, and Conte said: "For sure they are two important players for us, that's clear.
"But we are working, we are working very well this week to try and find the solution to play good football, to continue to win, to take the three points.
"We all know against Bournemouth it will not be easy, they are a good team with a good organisation, but we are working very well and we want to continue.
"I have four days to evaluate the situation and find the best solution. This is a good test for us because we play this game without two very important players for our team."
Michy Batshuayi would be a like-for-like replacement for Costa, but Conte said: "We must be patient with him. The next step for him is to play more this season."
Frank Lampard was back training at Cobham this week and looked in good shape according to Conte, who said the club great "wants to continue playing" after leaving LA Galaxy.
Another Bridge stalwart is off next summer following confirmation Steve Holland is joining England's coaching staff on a permanent basis.
"Steve is a very good professional and he is helping me a lot as he has a lot of experience with Chelsea," Conte said.
"It's a pity to lose him, I must be honest, but I can understand his choice as this type of situation can arrive only once in life, to be a coach or assistant coach of your country."
