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​Conte: Costa and Kante absence will test Chelsea squad

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte says facing Bournemouth without banned Diego Costa and N'Golo Kante will be a good test of his squad, reports the London Evening Standard.

Michy Batshuayi and Cesc Fabregas could be the men to benefit from a reshuffle and Conte is keen to see fringe members of his squad shine in the aforementioned duo's absence.

"Diego is an important player for us but we are working to find the right solution. In the squad I have different solutions," Conte said.

"On this aspect - we are working. This is a good test for us because we play this game without two very important players.

"It's important with this test to evaluate the situation of our squad and also to give the possibility to play some players who, until now, haven't played a lot.

"What my eyes see in this week is very important. We are working very well this week to try to find solutions to play good football and continue to win," the Italian added.

Conte's side are closing in on Arsenal's Premier League record for consecutive victories.

"I don't know - I don't like the statistics. I prefer to be focused on every game and increase [our position in] the table.

"For the past if you ask my experience in the Italian league as a player I don't know," Conte said when pressed on a similarly impressive winning streak he enjoyed during his career a Juventus.

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Ian Ferris
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