Ex Chelsea star Jason Cundy says Cesc Fabregas’ suspension could be a blessing for Antonio Conte
Italian's side suffered a shock opening day defeat to Burnley and now travel to face their rivals in Wembley
CESC FABREGAS’ absence against Tottenham could be a blessing in disguise for Chelsea – according to former Blues and Spurs ace Jason Cundy.
But the former defender has warned boss Antonio Conte that his depleted squad could see their poor start turn into a nightmare if they don’t get a result at Wembley on Sunday.
Fabregas, 30, will miss the club’s clash with Spurs, serving a one-match ban after his red card in their shock 3-2 loss to Burnley on the opening day.
The ban sees Conte desperately short of midfield options, having seen Nemanja Matic join rivals Manchester United earlier this summer for £40m.
The club also allowed midfielders Nathaniel Chalobah to leave for Watford for £6m and Ruben Loftus-Cheek go out on loan to Crystal Palace.
Speaking on , Cundy, 47, said: “Chelsea are desperate in the middle of the park with Fabregas missing.
“On a pitch like Wembley though, where it is a big pitch, it might actually have done Chelsea half a favour.
“What he does have is a brilliant passing mind, and he rarely gives possession away. He’s always looking to counter attack and always looking to get the ball over the top.
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HARRY KANE is on a blistering run of 18 goals in 21 London derbies.
That comes in at a return of one goal every 99 minutes.
Spurs face Chelsea on Sunday and he looks excellent value to get in the goals again.
“But at least now with him missing it’s forcing them to have someone in there who is slightly more defensively minded.”
Conte is under immense pressure to turn Chelsea’s fortunes around this weekend after a summer dominated by his dispute with Diego Costa and his transfer demands, despite spending over £140m so far.
Cundy feels Chelsea need to make at least “two signings” before the summer transfer window closes on August 31
He added: “Sandro has been linked, Danny Rose has been linked, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been linked, so clearly midfield is the area to strengthen.
“Im a bit surprised that we’ve gone into this season so light in the middle of the park and against Spurs at the weekend it may really haunt us.”
