Chelsea manager Antonio Conte believes that coping without Diego Costa and N’Golo Kante against Bournemouth on Boxing Day will be a worthwhile test for his players.
Costa and Kante are both suspended when Eddie Howe’s men visit Stamford Bridge on December 26, after the pair picked up their fifth yellow cards of the season against Crystal Palace last week.
Both have been vital in Chelsea’s 11-game winning streak in the Premier League. Brazil-born Spain international Costa currently leads the Premier League’s goalscoring charts with 12 strikes this season.
While Kante had started every game of the Blues’ remarkable winning run, which is just two short of equalling Arsenal’s all-time record of thirteen consecutive wins.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the Chelsea boss said: “I have four days to evaluate the situation and find the best solution. We have different solutions to replace Costa and Kante.
“This is a good test for us because we play this game without two very important players for our team.”
Chelsea sit six points clear of Liverpool at the top of the table going into Christmas. Bournemouth, meanwhile, are in 10th position, the Cherries highest ever Premier League spot, as manager Eddie Howe continues to impress at the Vitality Stadium.
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