Antonio Conte expects Chelsea’s Premier League and Champions League hopes to be tested over next seven days

Chelsea coach Antonio Conte admits his side's ability to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League will be sorely put to the test over the week.

Conte's men have a tough away trip to Stoke in the top flight tomorrow, then play at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday before facing title rivals Manchester City at Stamford Bridge three days later.

Conte said: "This is a good test, a good challenge for us, for all my squad.

"It will be important to face this type of situation in the right way. It won't be easy to have three strong games, such tough games, so close.

"This season for sure will be a great challenge for us, to face all competitions with our squad and to try to play every three days.

"The most important thing for us is to go game by game. Tomorrow it will be a really tough game. We must prepare very well this game in all the situations, tactically, physically, to be disciplined.

"Stoke won against Arsenal and then drew against Manchester United. It means Stoke is a really good team."

Conte has suggested that Eden Hazard could start all three matches now that he is fully fit.

He was in the starting XI, and significantly played 90 minutes, for the first time this season against Nottingham Forest in midweek.

The Belgium international suffered a fracture in his right ankle back in June, but Conte believes Hazard is now ready to feature regularly again.

He added: "I'm pleased for Eden because in the last game he played very well. I think he played with good intensity.

"Now his injury has been overcome. Now we have to play three games. There is the possibility now to try to pick him for these games."

Chelsea have everyone fit apart from midfielder Danny Drinkwater, while Stoke won't be able to pick Kurt Zouma in central defence.

Zouma is on a season-long loan from the Blues and rules dictate that he can't play against his parent club.

The France international, who suffered a serious knee ligament injury in 2016, has impressed so far at the bet365 Stadium and Conte insists he does have a long-term future at Chelsea.

He said: "For Kurt, this season is very important to play after a really bad injury. He's playing very well. It's a pleasure for me to see him play regularly. He can improve. He can find the best fit. I'm pleased and I hope to see him tomorrow and I will say ‘hello’ to him."

When pressed on why he decided to send Zouma away rather than make him a part of the squad this term, he added: "In this case, don't forget every decision I make is with the club, together. It's important always to know this.

"In this specific case, I think the best way for him is to send him on loan and to play regularly.

"He renewed his contract for Chelsea for many (six) years. This showed we trust him."