Chelsea manager Antonio Conte gives the latest news on the conditions of his players, ahead of the London derby against Crystal Palace on Sunday (11/3) early morning.
Italian tactician confirmed that Ross Barkley will be back absent in the game because it is still injured. The Blues will also play without Tiemoue Bakayoko in midfield. However, N'Golo Kante could return to play after missing out on a defeat against Manchester City last week, due to collapse during a team training session.
Since Barkley is not ready to return, Kante will be Cesc Fabregas's partner in midfield. Although Barkley performed quite impressively in January, but his current condition must make Conte wait for the return of the 24-year-old player.
"David Luiz is injured, and also Barkley," Conte said in a pre-match press conference. "I have to check some situations before the game. Better keep the situation a secret. "
"Barkley, before the game against City, during a press conference I say we have to have great patience. After severe injury and surgery, it is not easy as you survive for several months to recover quickly.
"You must be patient to wait until the right moment. We have to have patience, players and I, "he added