Conte not expecting serious Morata injury despite early withdrawal

Antonio Conte does not expect Alvaro Morata to spend too long on the sidelines after Chelsea's top scorer was forced off with a first-half injury during the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.

The Spain striker hobbled off in the 35th minute against City at Stamford Bridge, holding his left hamstring.

"It's a muscular problem," Conte told reporters after Kevin De Bruyne's excellent 67th-minute goal sent Pep Guardiola's side back to the top of the Premier League table.

"I don't think it's a serious problem because he stopped before it will become a serious injury.

"He said to me, 'Coach, I prefer to stop myself otherwise I risk a bad injury'. I don't know.

"The doctor now in the next days has to check the situation, but I don't think he's available for the national team."

Chelsea are now six points off the pace set by the Manchester clubs at the summit - United are one shy of City on goal difference after thumping Crystal Palace 4-0 - but Conte pointed towards a tough run of fixtures handed to his side over the opening weeks of the season.

UCJ, UNILORIN.