Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas believes Chelsea manager Antonio Conte does not trust Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi to lead the line for the club.

The striker has started just three Premier League games since signing from Marseille for £33m during the summer of 2016, one of which came last weekend during Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.

The 24-year-old was subsequently dropped against Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday, presumably for his ineffectiveness against Palace. The Blues drew the game 3-3, and Nicholas believes that the Belgian striker does not have the trust of his manager.

“Conte doesn’t trust Batshuayi,” said the Sky pundit.

“He doesn’t feel as if he’s got the movement or the understanding of the game.”

“He probably needs six games solid to understand it a bit more.”

“As soon as Morata is fit, he has to put him straight back in.”

Nicholas also discussed Chelsea’s title chances, with the Blues already nine points off leaders Manchester City.

“I watched Chelsea against Crystal Palace for Soccer Saturday last weekend and I thought they were really poor.

“I don’t quite understand why they look like they’ve lost so much confidence so quickly.”

“Two weeks ago in Madrid we were talking about potential Champions League winners because it was such a fantastic result.”

“Hazard probably needs some more sharpness, they haven’t quite seen the one-on-ones and the slalom runs he’s famous for.”

“Maybe he’s just getting closer to that. When I looked at them at the weekend, Moses injured, Kante out, they’re missing Matic – it’s a burden for them.”

“Moving David Luiz into midfield was one he wasn’t happy with after the weekend’s performance.”
[Quotes sourced via Express]