How Chelsea could lineup without Alvaro Morata

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Chelsea have been dealt a massive injury blow as  Alvaro Morata is set to be sidelined for much longer than anticipated. The Blues striker was sent back from the national team squad as the tests they ran on him concluded that he has a 2nd-grade Hamstring injury which could take to anywhere between 4-8 weeks to recuperate.

Chelsea will surely fear for the worst and Conte must already have started pondering over how he could set his team up in the absence of the man-in-form.

Here we look at how Chelsea could lineup without Alvaro Morata:

1) Michy’s turn to shine?

The obvious thing to do is get your backup striker straight into the first team and not having to tinker with the tactics too much. Conte has Michy Batshuayi to call upon as his striker but how much Conte trusts him is still to be seen. Morata originally got injured at the half-hour mark against Manchester City but despite that Antonio Conte brought on Willian to replace him ahead of the Belgian which would have surely irked him. However, Conte will have an eye on the upcoming international fixtures to see how Michy does and if he can afford to give him a chance. In all honesty, Chelsea’s next few fixtures could not have been better as they face Crystal Palace and Bournemouth and when better than now to give Michy his chance.

How Chelsea could lineup without Alvaro Morata: Option 1
How Chelsea could lineup without Alvaro Morata: Option 1

2) 3-4-3 formation?

Conte was lucky enough to have Diego Costa free of injuries or even suspensions for the majority of last season. However, after the unfortunate bust-up between the manager and Costa, Conte played a front three with Eden Hazard, Pedro, and Willian. These three were absolutely deadly especially with their movement causing havoc for the opposition defenders. Conte could well resort to this system but there could be major tactical implications behind it. They will have to drop Cesc Fabregas from the first XI.

How Chelsea could lineup without Alvaro Morata: Option 2
How Chelsea could lineup without Alvaro Morata: Option 2

 

It will be fascinating and intriguing how Conte sets his side up as he prepares to miss out on his striker’s goals. The aforementioned ways are just two of the possibilities for Chelsea and of course, Conte can consider something altogether different from these.

Chelsea face Crystal Palace away from at Selhurst Park in the game after the international break and what better than that to provide a chance to Michy Batshuayi and help bring him prove that he is more than capable of getting the job done.

Read: Morata’s injury update and all you need to know about a grade II ligament damage.

Read: Spurs vow to take action against offensive Marcos Alonso banner.