Antonio Conte provided a Chelsea injury update ahead of the Blues’ vital Premier League clash with Manchester City. Will Victor Moses be ready to return?
In compensation for going a fortnight without Premier League football, there is now a barrage of games. Chelsea are in action on Wednesday night as they welcome Manchester City to Stamford Bridge. Antonio Conte provided an injury update during his pre-match press conference, with all ears primed for news about Victor Moses.
Unfortunately, Conte was not confident in his assessment of Moses’ situation.
"I don’t know if Victor will be able to play tomorrow. We have another day to check the situation in the right way. We have a couple of situations to check and then make the best decision for the starting 11 tomorrow. – via chelseafc.com"
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The Nigerian’s importance to Chelsea’s cause was underlined on Saturday afternoon. Missing due to injury, the Blues struggled up and down the right flank. Pedro was charged with deputising, but his inexperience in the role was plain for all to see.
Moses has made the right wingback slot his own since stumbling into it last November. When Conte adopted the 3-4-3, Moses was the surprise choice in that position. However, he has done nothing but prove himself to be one of the club’s most reliable and key players.
Hence, the Blues would be grateful to have him on the field against City. The Palace loss has opened the door ever so slightly. A defeat against Pep Guardiola’s men would leave it gaping.
While his attacking talent carries over from his previous incarnation as a winger, Moses’ defensive abilities have surprised. His workrate has allowed him to keep opposition players hurried and harried.
However, a return seems unlikely. Moses has apparently not yet trained properly, if at all, so any chance of him starting a high-intensity game is distant. Moreover, a toe injury has been added to the supposed calf issue that he was suffering from.
The issue will now surround how the Blues can effectively compensate for his loss. While Pedro was not solely at fault for any of Palace’s goals on Saturday, he was certainly suspect.
Man City bring exponentially more firepower than Palace and they will target Pedro if he is at wingback. Nathan Ake is the alternative in the role and an attractive one as well. The youngster has played Premier League football, having already started against Liverpool and Arsenal (twice) for Bournemouth.
Who would you prefer should Moses not be fit? Let us know in the comments below!