Bakayoko in line for Chelsea debut with Conte 'forced' to rush

The Blues boss has to cope with the suspensions of Cesc Fabregas and Gary Cahill in preparation for Sunday's crunch clash against last season's runners-up Tottenham.

Fabregas and Cahill saw red cards against Burnley, which could mean new signing Tiemoue Bakayoko makes his debut for Chelsea, despite not being fully fit.

'Bakayoko is improving very well but is not at the top of physical condition but I think he could be in contention for the game', Conte said. 'I have to decide with Bakayoko, the situation could force me to take different decisions, in this moment some players are not 100 per cent in physical condition'.

Conte insisted that the squad is stretched and they should be prepared to handle set backs: 'It can happen during a game to receive two red cards but I think a great club like Chelsea need to be prepared for this kind of situation'.

'I'm not worried, this moment is not simple but we must be strong to face this situation and it's very important there are no excuses', he added.

While Bakayoko could play at Wembley, Pedro and Hazard look more doubtful: 'Hazard is improving but to be fully fit needs time and we must have patience with him and do the best for him'.

'Pedro has trained with us today and felt pain in his ankle, I don't know about Pedro, his situation is very difficult so I don't know at the moment', he concluded.