Blues’ Fabregas, Cahill out of Norwich clash

LONDON: CHELSEA were dealt a double blow yesterday with manager Antonio Conte saying that midfielder Cesc Fabregas and defender Gary Cahill will miss tonight’s FA Cup third-round replay against Norwich City because of injury.

England international Cahill was substituted in the first half of last Saturday’s stalemate with Leicester City in the Premier League, while Spaniard Fabregas was taken off in the second.

“Cahill (is injured), but his problem is not too serious. Cesc had a little problem in his hamstring and is not available,” Conte told reporters.

Chelsea have recorded four goalless draws in their last seven fixtures across all competitions, dropping to fourth in the league and facing a mustwin fixture against Norwich at home to progress to the FA Cup fourth round.

“We are not conceding but the bad news is that we are not scoring,” Conte said.

Meanwhile, media reports have linked Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez with a move to Chelsea this month but Conte is unsure of the transfer.

“I don’t know but I don’t think so,” Conte replied when asked directly if Chelsea were trying to sign the Chile international.

Conte also said that newlysigned midfielder Ross Barkley is unavailable for tonight’s match as the England international was not registered in time. The 48-year-old refused to comment on striker Michy Batshuayi’s future, who has been linked with a move away, saying the Belgian along with Welsh teenager Ethan Ampadu were likely to play against Norwich. – Reuters