Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is confident skipper Gary Cahill will be okay after Ryan Mason announced his retirement this week.

Conte expects Cahill to conquer the demons of his frightening collision with Mason as Hull return to Stamford Bridge for Friday's FA Cup tie.

Mason was forced to quit football this week, at the age of 26 — without ever playing again — on medical advice despite his valiant recovery.

Conte said: “When you play, and your behaviour is always with great honesty, this type of situation can happen.

“My team-mate broke my leg when I was 16 and risked my whole career, but it was an unlucky situation.

“Gary is a fantastic person, and he must be okay because it wasn't his fault. I didn't think of taking him out for this match."