Tiemoue Bakayoko in line for Chelsea debut against Tottenham as Antonio Conte admits he could be 'forced' to use midfielder amid suspensions

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Antonio Conte admitted he could be 'forced' to rush Tiemoue Bakayoko into the Chelsea team against Tottenham. 

The Blues boss has to cope with the suspensions of Cesc Fabregas and Gary Cahill following their red cards in the defeat by Burnley, meaning the squad is stretched. 

In his pre-match press conference, Conte said: 'Bakayoko is improving very well but is not at the top of physical condition but I think he could be in contention for the game.

Tiemoue Bakayoko could make his Chelsea debut against Tottenham at Wembley

'I have to decide with Bakayoko, the situation could force me to take different decisions, in this moment some players are not 100 per cent in physical condition.'

The Stamford Bridge club got off to a disappointing start to their Premier League title defence but Conte insists, the team need to be equipped to handle set backs.  

'It can happen during a game to receive two red cards but I think a great club like Chelsea need to be prepared for this kind of situation.'

'I'm not worried, this moment is not simple but we must be strong to face this situation and it's very important there are no excuses.'

Antonio Conte admitted his side are in a 'difficult situation' but will not make excuses

Bakayoko is not yet at full fitness since signing for Chelsea but could be rushed into the team

Conte's squad is also under the strain of a number of injuries and the Italian offered updates on Eden Hazard and Pedro. 

He said: 'Hazard is improving but to be fully fit needs time and we must have patience with him and do the best for him.

'Pedro has trained with us today and felt pain in his ankle, I don't know about Pedro, his situation is very difficult so I don't know at the moment.' 

Cesc Fabregas was sent off against Burnley so Bakayoko could be parachuted in