Chelsea news LIVE updates: All the latest from Stamford Bridge
Friday October 27
Kante 'burnt out'
18.00: Robert Pires has a theory why N'Golo Kante has struggled this season - because he is burnt out.
"He's so important for the balance of Chelsea's team,” the former France star told bwin.
"I think the main reason he's struggled is that he's burning out – he's perhaps a bit too tired.
“Don't forget he's pretty much played every game for about three seasons now – that's a lot of minutes."
Kante injury update
13.47: Antonio Conte is hopeful N'Golo Kante will be available to face Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Conte said: "N’Golo is still not ready [ahead of Bournemouth on Saturday].
"We have to wait and hope to have him back for the Roma game."
Immobile to Chelsea?
12:55: Chelsea chiefs want to sign Lazio striker Ciro Immobile.
That's according to the Sun, who say the Blues are sweating on Antonio Conte's future.
And, in order to keep him happy, a January deal could be in the works.
Lazio are willing to negotiate for £53million.
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Carlo Ancelotti is being lined up to replace Antonio Conte
Hazard on "top striker" Morata
10:10: Eden Hazard has opened up about playing alongside Chelsea's big summer signing Alvaro Morata.
"He’s [Morata] a top striker," Hazard said.
"When good players play together, they don’t need to train two years.
"When we are on the pitch, we can see the movements he does and his technical ability is good so, with Alvaro – and, before, with Diego as well – it’s good.
"I try to have a good connection with my striker because, in my position, it’s good to have this player who is like a target man, so I need a good connection with him."
Keown on Fabregas
07:36: Martin Keown says Cesc Fabregas should show the Carabao Cup more respect following Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Everton in midweek.
Fabregas came off the bench to help Chelsea get through to the quarter-finals and Keown was not too impressed with his attitude.
“I was critical of Fabregas last night who did not seem too happy at having to play the last half-hour against Everton,” Keown told the Daily Mail.
“Eventually he applied himself — but Fabregas had clearly forgotten that this was the competition that gave him his big break in 2003!”
Ancelotti to replace Conte
05:30: Chelsea are eyeing up a potential reunion with Carlo Ancelotti with Antonio Conte’s future still in doubt.
Ancelotti was unceremoniously sacked by Bayern Munich last month after a 3-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
And the Italian coach has become one of the most sought after managers since he left the Bundesliga giants.
He was spotted at Stamford Bridge last week, prompting rumours he could be eyeing up a return to the club.
And with Conte’s future still up in the air, The Sun claim Chelsea are prepared to offer Ancelotti a return to England.
It is reported the club do not expect Conte to see out his 20 months at Chelsea and they are preparing for his exit.
Chelsea's Willian scores phenomenal last minute goal
Thursday October 26
Carabao Cup draw
20:00: Chelsea have been drawn at home to Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Chelsea were first out of the pot and will play on either December 19 or 20.
The Carabao Cup draw descended into farce after a technical issue meant the the EFL couldn’t stream the event live on Twitter.
After 90 minutes a pre-recorded video of the draw was posted on the social media platform.
Drinkwater reflects on nightmare start
14.50: Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater has opened up on the injury nightmare which hampered his start to life in west London.
The 27-year-old said: "I don’t think [the last few months] could have gone any worse.
"I have been trying to take the positives out of it. My calf feels good now but I was massively frustrated. The waiting game was killing me.
"It’s been good to watch the team and it has helped me to settle in as well. It has given me a feel for how they actually play. But the sooner I can get more involved now, the better for me."
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Chelsea news LIVE updates: Express Sport brings you all the latest gossip from Stamford Bridge
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Caballero speaks
13:15: Willy Caballero has given his thoughts on Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Everton in the Carabao Cup last night.
The former Manchester City shot-stopper started for the second straight Carabao Cup tie.
“Fortunately, we scored the second goal in the last minute and this qualified us,” the Argentinean said.
“We conceded again in the last second, but we kept the ball after that and didn’t let them have a last chance in our box. We go through and we are waiting now for the draw. We are really happy for our performance.”
Batshuayi banter
10:17: Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi has reassured the club’s supporters that he is okay after colliding with a goal-post during last night’s Carabao Cup win over Everton.
Batshuayi was chasing the ball towards Everton’s goal when Phil Jagielka cleared and he crashed into the post.
But the Belgian insisted he was fine after the incident, tweeting: “Thx for the messages ! Im good ahah probably better than the post.”
Kante and Drinkwater updates
07:51: Antonio Conte has confirmed N’Golo Kante is edging closer to making a return after being sidelined with a hamstring injury.
“He's progressing well. I am very happy because I saw him in a good physical condition. At this moment we have to find the strength to keep calm and find the right moment to put him in the team," Conte said.
"Now it will be very easy now to tell him to play but we have to find the best solution for him. He is ready."
Danny Drinkwater also made his first appearance for the Blues in their Carabao Cup win over Everton last night and Conte says he is almost 100 per cent fit again.
Conte added: “We will have three games before the international break and to see him fit 100 per cent may be after the international break.
“I can count him in games now. If I decide to play with three midfielders, it's very important."
Chelsea prepare £71m offer
07:00: Chelsea have prepared an offer for Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez, according to Spanish publication Don Balon.
The Blues have tabled a bid for his services and are prepared to pay up to £71million for the attacking-midfielder.
However, Don Balon say Atletico boss Simeone has no interest in selling his star man.
Niguez, who has netted once and chipped in with one assist this season, has a £134m release clause in his contract.
