Alvaro Morata had to leave the pitch in the first half (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea have suffered a major injury blow against Manchester City with Alvaro Morata being subbed off in the 34th minute with what looks a hamstring injury.

The Spain international has been in prolific form of late, scoring seven goals in his first eight games for the Blues, but Antonio Conte will have to find a way past City without him.

Surprisingly, backup striker Michy Batshuayi was overlooked by Conte, with Willian subbed on instead to provide more width after a slightly slow start by the home side.

Morata had looked a little isolated up front with only Eden Hazard for support, and it looks like the Belgian will now lead the line in a false-nine role.

Chelsea only recently agreed a deal to let Diego Costa join Atletico Madrid, with Morata being signed in the summer as his replacement.

Conte told Costa at the end of last season that he was no longer in his plans, before spending a club-record £60million to bring in Morata from Real Madrid.

Morata looked to have suffered a hamstring injury (Picture: Getty)

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The 24-year-old has made an instant impact in England and Chelsea will certainly hope he’s not out for too long after relying on him as the focal point in their team.

For all the quality of Hazard up front, and the option of Batshuayi as a backup, it’s been pretty clear this season that Conte has sought to build his side around Morata.

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