Antonio Conte believes the absence of Diego Costa and N’Golo Kante will provide his side with a “good test” as they look to cope without the influential duo against Bournemouth.

Both picked up their fifth booking of the season during last weekend’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace thus earning them a one game ban.

The Chelsea boss said he is working hard to find a solution that will allow the team to set a new club record of 12 consecutive victories whilst looking to allow squad players some valuable game time.

He said: “For this reason it is a good test for us because we play this game without two important players. For this reason I think in this test to evaluate the situation in the squad and also the possibility to play some players who haven’t played a lot. I repeat what my eyes see this week

N'Golo Kante in action against Everton earlier this season
N'Golo Kante in action against Everton earlier this season

“We know for this game N’Golo and Costa can’t play so for sure they are two important players for us, but we are working very well this week to try find the solution to play good football and continue to win.”

The Italian has also stated he is prepared to change from the 3-4-3 formation that has been so successful in recent months, despite acknowledging that they did not enjoy the same results before reverting to it, if it better suits the personnel he selects on Boxing Day.

He added: “I think with this team it showed in the past we can play with a different form. I must be honest when we played with a different form we didn’t have these types of results so this is an option but we are working to find the right solution with the right men in the right place to try and continue in this way.”

Michy Batshuayi is expected to deputise for Costa in attack whilst Cesc Fabregas may partner Nemanja Matic in the centre of midfield after forging his way back into Conte’s first-team plans with a string of impressive displays.

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