Antonio Conte is suffering from a selection headache ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League fixture against West Bromwich this Sunday, as the Italian could have to go without three Blues star players who are all currently injured.
According to Goal’s match preview Nemanja Matic, Pedro and Diego Costa could all be forced to see out the game from the sidelines.
Matic was ruled out of Chelsea’s last match when the Blues cruised into a terrific 3-1 victory past Manchester City at Etihad Stadium last Saturday. Cesc Fabregas stepped in to replace the lanky Serbian, and even if Matic would be reported fit ahead of the game, his fitness might not be risked and the Spaniard could start his second game in a row.
Pedro, who was subbed off after 50 minutes of play against City, suffered a nasty ankle injury in the game and is most likely set to miss Sunday’s fixture. Willian replaced the Spaniard and did extremely well, as he helped Chelsea climb from a 1-0 losing position and score the winning goal 20 minutes after coming on. He might even start against WBA if Pedro turns out to be fit.
The biggest loss would be to see Diego Costa sidelined for the game, as the 11-goal man is in an unstoppable form. The Brazilian-born Spain international is the joint top scorer of the league, and has been the most influential player for Antonio Conte’s side this season.
However, should Costa be ruled out, Chelsea’s summer signing Michy Bathsuayi could finally get his first league start for his new side, as he hasn’t really succeeded to get a chance due to Diego Costa’s unplayable form.
