Conte worry over injuries in defence

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, hoping to sign another defender before the transfer window closes, is concerned that his resources could be stretched ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Burnley.

Ola Aina limped off in the second half of last night’s 3-2 EFL Cup victory over gallant Bristol Rovers.

“I hope the injury to Aina is not serious because if it is we will only have four defenders for Burnley. I’m a bit worried,” Conte said.

“We are trying to find the right solution to improve this team.”

Michy Batshuayi, a £33million summer signing from Marseille, struck twice in a tense victory, either side of a Victor Moses goal.

Ex-Hartlepool defender Peter Hartley and Ellis Harrison got Rovers back to 3-2.

“We knew that we would have to work very hard. I knew the atmosphere around this cup and could tell this game would be very hard,” Conte added.

“It’s a pity because we were dominating this game. I don’t like when you concede two goals at a freekick and a penalty. When you have the opportunity to kill the game, you must kill the game.

“We must improve at crosses and feel the danger in every circumstance.”

Rovers boss Darrell Clarke was proud of his underdogs. “We rode our luck at times but we had a right good go and Chelsea brought on some of their big hitters, but they’re a fantastic team and deserved to win,” he said.