Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has hinted it wasn't his decision to allow Nathaniel Chalobah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to leave.

The Blues boss has spoken of his unhappiness that the duo were allowed to join Watford and Crystal Palace respectively from Stamford Bridge.

Asked whether he regretted the decision offload the duo, Conte bluntly stated: “Another question, please."

When pressed whether he would be open to field youngsters in the starting XI, he said: “If you remember last season I utilised different young players.

“Don't forget Ake, Chalobah and Loftus-Cheek. And also Kenedy and Ainya as well. I think for a club like Chelsea if I have the opportunity to have players ready to play I'm the first person to be happy.

'But I repeat the players need to grow in the right way or you risk damage to them and the club."