Vital
Antonio Conte has claimed Chelsea are suffering at the back because they are without one of their key players.
Andreas Christensen has been out for some time, and it seems that his presence in defence has been the one thing Chelsea have needed this season, and Conte made it very clear the amount of goals conceded in the last couple of games are partially down to him not being in the side.
He said:“For sure, he’s an important player for us. He’s an important player.
“It happened, this [that Chelsea conceded seven goals in the last two games without him]. It’s right to look at the stats, but we have to take the stats in the right way.
“But, for sure, Christensen is an important player for us. He’s playing a fantastic season.”
“I don’t know.
“It happened in the last two games. I don’t know why. But it happened. We didn’t concede many goals in the past when Christensen played.”
Barcelona
The Chelsea manager will be desperate to get his key players back for the game against Barcelona, and knows that any goals shipped by the Blues will have a negative impact on their hopes of going through to the next round or even having a chance in the second leg.
David Luiz knows just how good Luis Suarez can be, and Lionel Messi will finally want to score against the club, never having found the back of the net before against them, and not only will Chelsea have to make sure they have their defence at top level, they need Alvaro Morata back fighting as well.
The forward has posted a picture on social media of him back in training – and Chelsea fans will hope he gets up to full fitness as soon as possible to at least play some part in the game.