Conte: Batshuayi struggling to compete with Diego Costa

The Blues boss sympathises with his striker's struggles for regular game time as he prepares to replace the Premier League's top scorer on Boxing Day.

Antonio Conte thinks that Michy Batshuayi will get more opportunities at Chelsea in the future, but admits that Diego Costa's form makes it hard for the Belgium international to make his breakthrough at Stamford Bridge.

Batshuayi has yet to make a Premier League start since his £33 million move from Marseille in the summer, as Costa's 13 goals in 17 games in the league have helped his side to a six point lead ahead of Boxing Day.

However, Costa's booking against Crystal Palace means that he will be suspended for Bournemouth's trip to Stamford Bridge, possibly leading to Batshuayi's first league start. Conte believes that Batshuayi will be ready for the game and sympathised with his striker's lack of opportunities so far.

“Yes, Michy's attitude, his behaviour, have been fantastic. He wants to improve his quality," Conte said at a news conference at Cobham Training Centre.

 "Technical quality, physical quality. We are working a lot with him on tactical aspects."
"Yes, but he's showing great commitment, great work-rate during the training sessions, great passion.
"For sure, he wants to play and it's not easy when you have in front of you Costa.