Morata exit on the cards

CHELSEA boss Maurizio Sarri has left the door ajar on a potential January departure for Alvaro Morata by suggesting the striker could be overlooked again for today’s clash with Crystal Palace.

Morata has missed Chelsea’s last three Premier League matches and ahead of the trip to Selhurst Park, Sarri has hinted that, despite being fully fit, the 26-year-old may not join the travelling squad. The manager is likely to continue using Eden Hazard as a ‘false nine’.

‘Alvaro has the potential to be a very good player,’ Sarri said.

But he added: ‘Eden is better when he comes to play with the midfielders, it’s better to open spaces for the wingers.’