Alvaro Morata Chelsea Stoke City

Conte confirms Morata fit for Chelsea's Roma clash

Antonio Conte has confirmed that Alvaro Morata is in contention to start against AS Roma in Wednesday's Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have sorely missed the Spanish striker, highlighted by Conte's side's recent 2-1 loss to Premier League whipping boys Crystal Palace.

Morata 11/4 first scorer v Roma

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Morata, who made a stellar start to life in London before picking up an injury, is now available for selection, however, meaning the Italian will not have to turn to untrusted Michy Batshuayi once again.

"Alvaro is in contention for tomorrow's game," Conte told the press. "He has been training with us and in contention.

"We have players that are not used to playing three in a row. Kante and Moses... [it's their] first time to play three games in a row, Morata the first time regularly, Alonso is the same.

"Sometimes you have to take a risk, like [against] Manchester City [when] Morata got injured, but if I didn't start him you'd tell me I'm crazy. Sometimes the players need to rest."

Marcos Alonso was also in attendance at the pre-match presser, with the Spaniard happy to have his countryman back and ready to lead the line.

"Alvaro is ready," Alonso said. "He's been training very well. I don't know if he'll be in the starting XI, but he's been working very well.

"He's been a very important player for us. If he plays tomorrow, I'm sure he will be as good as at the start of the season."

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