- Antonio Conte insists he is happy with Alvaro Morata
- Morata was started from the bench against Crystal Palace
- Chelsea face Barcelona in the Champions League last 16
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has stated his relationship with striker Alvaro Morata is cordial despite not making the starting XI at the weekend.
The Italian gaffer has appealed to fans to have patience with the Spanish striker following his low scoring performances in recent games.
Conte was asked by local media about the former Real Madrid striker ahead of their Champions League clash with Barcelona.
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"I saw great will, great focus, great will to fight for a place.
"For Morata, this is the first full season in his career. In the past with Real Madrid, with Juventus, he was on the bench, the first substitute, on if the striker was injured.
"For this reason, I think we must have great patience.
"We are talking about an important striker and he is a really important prospect for Chelsea, for the present and the future. He will be in contention for tomorrow's game," Conte said of Morata.
Morata started from the bench in the first leg draw with the Catalan side, and also came in for Olivier Giroud in Chelsea's 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have an uphill task to make it through at the expense of Barcelona as they will be looking to cancel out the away goal advantage at the Nou Camp.
The Blues must score to remain in the contest and the match could be sent to extra time if both sides record a 1-1 draw at regulation time.
Inspirational midfielder Andres Iniesta could pass a late fitness test to feature in the crucial tie after a hamstring scare in the match against Atletico Madrid.
Barca are in contention for a treble this season with an impressive run in La Liga and Copa del Rey, only recording one loss in all season.
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Source: Naija.ng