Chelsea transfer news: Antonio Conte hints he is angry at the departure of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Nathaniel Chalobah
The Blues boss has expressed his concern that the youngsters were allowed to leave Stamford Bridge this summer
ANTONIO CONTE has expressed his dissatisfaction that Nathaniel Chalobah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were allowed to leave Chelsea this summer.
The Blues boss has spoken of his unhappiness that the duo were allowed to join Watford and Crystal Palace respectively from Stamford Bridge.
Conte faces a mini-crisis in midfield ahead of Sunday's London derby with Tottenham Hotspur.
Nemanja Matic was sold to rivals Manchester United for £40million, while Spanish international Cesc Fabregas is suspended after being sent off in the 3-2 shock defeat to Burnley last weekend.
While Gary Cahill will also serve a ban for his reckless lunge on Steven Defour that saw the ref brandish him a straight red in just the 14th minute.
A make-shift midfield could be in the offing when the Premier League champions travel to Wembley, with Loftus-Cheek - on loan with the Eagles, and Chalobah - who signed for the Hornets permanently, could have been of use.
Asked whether he regretted the decision offload the duo, Conte bluntyly stated: "Another question, please."
LATEST CHELSEA NEWS
When pressed whether he would be open to field youngsters in the starting XI, he said: "If you remember last season I utilised different young players.
"Don’t forget Ake, Chalobah and Loftus-Cheek. And also Kenedy and Ainya as well. I think for a club like Chelsea if I have the opportunity to have players ready to play I’m the first person to be happy.
‘But I repeat the players need to grow in the right way or you risk damage to them and the club."
Chelsea's all-time top goalscorer and cult hero Frank Lampard, has also questioned why the FA Cup finalists flogged off the England youth international's.
He said: "They need a bigger squad. You look at the good vibes that are coming out of Manchester City and Manchester United, even Arsenal and Tottenham but it’s not working for anyone at Chelsea.
"You can see big frustration and the upset on Conte’s face.
"The one who was a mistake was Chalobah. He went for a low price as well so I’m not really sure what went on there.
"Loftus-Cheek? He’s got to take it upon himself and show he needs to be back and given a chance at Chelsea."
