Morata set for Blues bow

CONTE’S squad has been depleted by the departures of former captain John Terry, Nathan Ake and Nathaniel Chalobah, while last season’s leading scorer, Diego Costa, and midfielder Nemanja Matic are expected to be sold and Kurt Zouma, the French centre-back, has also been sent out on loan to Stoke City.

After winning the league by seven points, Chelsea are desperate to avoid a repeat of two years ago when they endured a miserable title defence, eventually finishing 10th. Jose Mourinho was sacked in December 2015 after nine defeats from 16 league games.

Cesar Azpilicueta said: “After being champions three years ago, we had a terrible season and we have to learn from this.

“We know that, after being champions, every team we are going to face is going to want to win more than before.

“We know it will be harder but it is what we are working on in pre-season, to get into the best condition to fight for it and also in the Champions League as well. We have a big season ahead of us.”

Chelsea will continue their pre-season preparations when they face Bayern Munich in the International Champions Cup today.

Morata, their £58m (€65m) buy, is expected to play some part, while Antonio Rudiger, the defender signed from Roma this month, will join up with the squad today.

Conte said: “It is my plan to give him (Morata) the possibility to play a part in the game. For sure, not from the start as he arrived only yesterday. He started working very strong and is ready to have a good impact in the Premier League.”

Pedro, meanwhile, suffered a fractured cheekbone in his collision with Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina last Saturday and is rated doubtful for the Charity Shield match against Arsenal at Wembley next month.

The Spaniard will miss 10 days of training and will wear a mask when he returns. (© Daily Telegraph, London)