Published on 12:00 AM, October 18, 2017

Morata boosts Chelsea

Chelsea will be happy to welcome back Alvaro Morata as the Blues have an injury crisis ahead of their Champions League match against AS Roma tonight. Photo: AFP
Reuters, London

Alvaro Morata is primed to lead Chelsea's attack against AS Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday as the Blues seek to quickly erase the embarrassment of their weekend loss to the Premier League's bottom club Crystal Palace.The Spaniard missed the 2-1 defeat after injuring his hamstring against Manchester City before the international break.

But the 58 million-pound ($77 million) striker underwent full training on Sunday and Chelsea captain Gary Cahill indicated his return is imminent.

"He is back out on the pitch and hopefully he keeps progressing okay," said Cahill.

That will be welcome news to Chelsea manager Antonio Conte who substituted Morata's replacement Michy Batshuayi on Saturday after 57 minutes of his second league start of the season.

A nine-point gap separates Chelsea from leaders City but the Blues top their Champions League group, two points ahead of second-placed Roma, after winning both opening Group C games.

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