Morata and Pedro bans give Conte headache for Brighton visit
>> BRIGHTON: Antonio Conte will attempt to find a solution to Chelsea’s problems in front of goal without the services of suspended pair Alvaro Morata and Pedro when they face Brighton today.
Michy Batshuayi’s strike in the midweek FA Cup third-round replay win against Norwich City — a success achieved on penalties after a 1-1 draw — was the Blues’ first goal after three successive scoreless draws.
Chelsea manager Conte, however, insisted that there were positives to take from the performance ahead of his side’s return to the battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League via a top-four finish in the Premier League.
The champions dropped to fourth place after last weekend’s round of fixtures and could slip to fifth if they lose at Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur beat Southampton the following day.
However, the loss of Morata and Pedro, both of whom were booked for diving against Norwich and then dismissed after collecting second yellow cards, does nothing to help Conte revive his side’s goal threat.
Spain striker Morata has struggled since his impressive start to life at Stamford Bridge and is without a goal in six games, while winger Pedro has scored four times in the league.
“Our performance was positive against Norwich. Despite making many changes, we scored one goal and we created many chances to score the second goal. Instead we conceded with 10 seconds to go,” he said.
“Now we have to play in two days against Brighton at 12.30. We have to try to recover very well.
“I hope we don’t pay, also because my decision was clear: to try to go to the next round tonight and give a bit of rest to the other players.
“For sure we have to face many problems, and also because Pedro and Morata are not able to play, but we want to try to get three points.”
Responsibility for leading the attack at Brighton is likely to fall on Eden Hazard, with Batshuayi providing a central striking option from the bench.
Belgium playmaker Hazard, who scored the winning penalty against Norwich, admitted Chelsea were below their best in beating Norwich and he fears the combined impact of extra time and the two late red cards could take a toll.