Drinkwater boosts Blues

– Danny Drinkwater (above) can build on his midweek Chelsea debut when Antonio Conte’s side travel to Bournemouth in the Premier League today.

Drinkwater has endured a frustrating time since joining the Stamford Bridge club in the final moments of the transfer window following a £35 million move from Leicester.

The England international has struggled with a calf problem and was finally given the all clear to make his first appearance for his new club in the midweek League Cup win against Everton.

The midfielder managed 62 minutes before being withdrawn, and while the best he can hope for is a place on the champions’ bench against the Cherries, the 27-yearold is simply relieved to have got his Chelsea career up and running at last.

“The last few months could not have gone any worse,” Drinkwater told Chelsea TV. “I have been trying to take the positives out of it. My calf feels good now but I was massively frustrated.”

Drinkwater’s return to fitness comes as a boost to Chelsea manager Conte, who has seen N’Golo Kante sidelined with a hamstring injury while Tiemoue Bakayoko has also struggled with injuries.

The Blues head to the south coast lifted by last weekend’s victory over Watford that came after they had been trailing to the Hornets and were apparently on course for another home defeat.

But instead of being forced to endure a fresh inquest into his side’s failings, Conte was able to reflect on an impressive display of character that was capped by a two-goal match-winning performance from Michy Batshuayi.

The Belgian started against Everton but is expected to return to the bench. – AFP