The Star Malaysia

Conte is hoping Kante will be fit to take on the Romans

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LONDON: Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says that he hopes to be able to select midfielder N’Golo Kante for the Champions League clash against AS Roma.

Kante picked up a hamstring injury on internatio­nal duty with France earlier this month and has missed Chelsea’s previous five matches, including the 3-3 draw at home to Roma 11 days ago.

But Conte said he will not risk Kante if the influentia­l Frenchman is not fully fit.

“He (Kante) could be ready,” the Italian told a news conference.

“I know very well the importance of this player. I want to be sure he is ready. I hope to have him in this game, but I prefer to not take this type of risk. If he is ready, he plays.”

The draw with Roma at Stamford Bridge came after back-to-back English Premier League defeats that have left the defending champions nine points adrift of table toppers Manchester City.

Subsequent wins in the league against Watford and Bournemout­h and a League Cup triumph over Everton have stabilised Chelsea’s form, providing what Conte admitted was a necessary boost to his players’ morale.

“It was a good win (1-0 at Bournemout­h on Saturday) for our confidence, a good win before another tough game against Roma in the Champions League,” he added.

“A win was very important to give continuity to the win against Watford, and Everton in the (League) Cup, and now to prepare in the best way possible way for Roma.”

Alvaro Morata is expected to start, despite going four games without a goal since returning from a hamstring injury sustained in the home defeat to Manchester City last month. — Reuters

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