Antonio Conte: Michy Batshuayi is ready to play for Chelsea, but can learn from 'fantastic' rival Diego Costa
Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte says Michy Batshuayi is ready to deputise for suspended striker Diego Costa in today's Boxing Day clash with Bournemouth.
Costa has scored 13 times for the Premier League leaders this season but is banned for the visit of the Cherries after accumulating five yellow cards.
Belgium striker Batshuayi was signed from Marseille in the summer for around £33million, but has had limited opportunities.
He has made 10 substitute appearances in the Premier League, his only starts (three) coming in the EFL Cup.
But Conte insists the 23-year-old is capable of stepping into the considerable void created by Costa's suspension, although the Italian could also tinker with his formation to accommodate for the absence of Costa and midfielder N'Golo Kante (also suspended).
"Michy, if I decide to put him in the starting XI, is ready to play," Conte said.
"It's not important to talk and put more pressure on him. He must do what he knows, what we are doing in the training sessions. Only this.
"It's important for Michy to continue to work, to continue to improve. I'm sure his moment will arrive."
Batshuayi has had to be patient for a Premier League opportunity and has been linked with a loan move away as a result.
Conte added: "If Michy is here, it's because he deserves to stay here.
"Michy's attitude, his behaviour, have been fantastic. He wants to improve his quality. Technical quality, physical quality.
"We are working a lot with him on tactical aspects.
"But he's showing great commitment, great work-rate during the training sessions, great passion.
"For sure, he wants to play and it's not easy when you have in front of you Costa. Above all this, Costa who is playing fantastic football and scoring a lot of goals."
Conte has not sought to reassure Batshuayi that his chance will come and says he can learn from 28-year-old Costa, despite having different traits.
"I think every single player, every forward, is different for characteristics," Conte added.
"Michy is different if you compare him to Diego. Above all because, first of all, he's a younger player.
"He can improve a lot. For sure, to stay close to Diego, you can learn a lot to improve your experience, to improve your skills.
"But, for sure, to have the training sessions with great players improves you."