Antonio Conte is judging Alvaro Morata on Chelsea 'commitment', not goal stats

Antonio Conte is more focussed on what Alvaro Morata can do for Chelsea rather than just how many goals the £58million striker scores.

​The Spanish international has already found the net six times for the Premier League champions this season, but failed to score in the home defeat against Manchester City at the end of September as he sustained a hamstring injury.

The forward missed the 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace, and cut a frustrated figure as he was hauled off against Watford before his replacement, Michy Batshuayi, inspired a 4-2 comeback victory last weekend.

However, Chelsea coach Conte insists he is happy with the striker’s performances, and is relying on the 25-year-old to perform well in Saturday’s clash at Bournemouth.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, Conte said: "I am happy with his commitment and performances. Tomorrow he has another opportunity to play.

"For me, it’s not important for the striker to score. It’s important for the team that he plays well."

Morata made the £58m move from Real Madrid over the summer, coming in as a replacement for Atletico Madrid-bound Diego Costa.

The Spaniard hit the ground running for his new club, but had to withdraw from Spain's World Cup qualifiers after an injury against Man City to leave him facing a frustrating October.

Following a 2-1 EFL Cup victory against Everton on Wednesday, the Blues are preparing for a difficult game as both Victor Moses and N'Golo Kante are out injured.

But Morata is set to be fielded alongside Willian and Pedro, while the squad are welcoming back previously-injured Danny Drinkwater to the fold.