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Nizaar Kinsella

Chelsea team news: Injuries, suspensions and line-up vs Bournemouth

The Blues are aiming to build further momentum on Wednesday as they take on Eddie Howe's side at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea face Bournemouth on Wednesday looking to build on their FA Cup win over Newcastle and close the gap on the two Manchester clubs in front of them.

Antonio Conte's side defeated Newcastle 3-0 on Sunday, with Michy Batshuayi, who is likely to leave the club before the January transfer window closes, scoring two goals.

With Alvaro Morata an injury doubt and Batshuayi likely to be in the process of a move on deadline day, Eden Hazard may be utilised in attack as the Blues aim to move ahead of United in the table, if results go their way.

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CHELSEA INJURIES

Chelsea have a host of injuries with Alvaro Morata unlikely to play due to a back injury. Willian, meanwhile, has a hamstring complaint but he has said that he is in contention to face Watford next Monday.

Thibaut Courtois is expected to return against Bournemouth after getting over his ankle problem.

Next matches

David Luiz also missed the game against Newcastle after injuring his ankle in training but Gary Cahill and Danny Drinkwater both made their comebacks from their recent small injury issues.

Cesc Fabregas could also make his return after missing a number of games in recent weeks, while Ross Barkley is another option in the midfield area.

CHELSEA SUSPENSIONS

Conte currently has no players suspended, with Morata and Pedro having recently completed their respective bans.

Spain striker Morata is, however, two yellow cards away from a two-match ban.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINE-UP

Conte is limited in terms of his team selection, with the signing of a new striker and left-back not set to be concluded in time for the game against Bournemouth.

Batshuayi is fit but there's a chance he could be left out due to his likely move away from Stamford Bridge, meaning Hazard could start in attack, with Barkley also set to feature in a supporting role.

Willy Caballero will continue in goal, if Courtois remains out with an ankle injury.

Chelsea predicted XI to face Bournemouth

Goal

BOURNEMOUTH TEAM NEWS

Jermain Defoe is out with an ankle injury, while Tyrone Mings is also likely to be unavailable to Eddie Howe.

Bournemouth's only other concern is Harry Arter, who has been missing with illness.

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TV CHANNEL & KICK OFF TIME

The match takes place at 19:45 GMT on Wednesday but it won't be shown live in the UK.

BEST OPTA MATCH FACTS

Bournemouth have failed to score in three of their five previous visits to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea, scoring just twice and never more than once in a game.
Bournemouth have yet to win a Premier League game played on a Wednesday (D1 L2).
Ross Barkley has had a hand in five goals in four Premier League matches versus the Cherries (two goals, three assists).
Eden Hazard has scored five goals in his last four Premier League appearances against Bournemouth.
Willian has had a hand in eight goals in his last five Premier League starts (3 goals, 5 assists), compared to scoring none and providing just one assist in his first seven starts in the competition this season.