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September 29, 2017


Conte: I Trust Chelsea Players  (Sky Sports)

Antonio Conte and Cesar AzpilicuetaAntonio Conte insists he trusts his Chelsea players to spend their time off responsibly after Sergio Aguero was injured in a car crash in the Netherlands.

Pep Guardiola fears Aguero suffered a broken rib and said the striker will miss Saturday's game against Chelsea, having been involved in the accident while on his day off on Thursday.

Conte wished the striker his best following the injury and confirmed he will not change his plan for the match because of Aguero's absence.

The Chelsea boss also remained adamant he would not try to impose any restrictions on the way his own players spend their time off and that he can rely on his players' maturity.

"Honestly, I'm not worried because I think I have players that try to make the best decision and it's important to understand when there is the room to travel, to go to see a game or for other situations," Conte said in his pre-match press conference.

"I was a player and when you have your day off you must take your own responsibility and make the best decision for you, for the club.

"I like to give responsibility because the players are not kids, they are men, they have families, it is important to give the right responsibility and then they have to make the best decision for them, the club and everyone."

Conte confirmed Alvaro Morata is fit to face Premier League leaders City at Stamford Bridge after being substituted against Atletico Madrid in their Champions League group clash midweek, while Eden Hazard is also ready to play.

David Luiz will miss the fixture, though, after his suspension for a red card against Arsenal last time out.

The defender also gave a penalty away to hand Atletico Madrid the lead, but Conte defended his centre-back, insisting players can be afforded ill-discipline on the odd occasion.

"He's not used to taking red cards and David is a good player, always he puts a great discipline on the pitch," said Conte.

"I was a player and I understand sometimes it can happen - this type of situation. Once is okay, and it is enough."

Conte added: "As you know very well David is a very important player for us, for sure he is a big loss, but I think Andreas Christensen is playing very well and is showing he is a good player.

"[He is] Young but with good maturity and good experience to play with us. I'm happy for his performance."



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