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Ross Barkley trains with Chelsea team-mates for the first time but will not face Arsenal
Antonio Conte confirms £15m midfielder is not fit for EFL Cup semi-final but is closing in on a debut
ROSS BARKLEY trained with his Chelsea team-mates for the first time today but will not face Arsenal.
The Blues welcomed their £15million midfielder as they prepare for tomorrow's EFL Cup semi-final against Arsenal.
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But boss Antonio Conte confirmed new signing Barkley, 24, is not yet fit having missed the entire season through injury.
He said: "No, tomorrow night is very soon for him but we must be pleased because his physical condition is good.
"He has started to have training sessions with us to understand our idea of football we must be pleased. But he needs a bit of time to work on the physical and tactical aspects.
"But I think his condition is good, very good. I don’t know, now is difficult to say this but at the same time I am very positive because the player is a good guy and showing a great will to work and desire to help us very soon and this is positive.
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"I am very happy to have Ross with us for the rest of the season."
Eden Hazard is in line for a start as he recovers from his own issues but Conte confirmed he is planning to rotate.
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The Blues chief added: "From the start of the season we tried to find a good balance and give the right chances to everyone.
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"In this competition it was important for us because we played these games with a young player. At the same time we played with a strong team.
"Our run wasn’t easy, we have played Everton, Bournemouth and now Arsenal.
"Tomorrow is another opportunity to make rotations compared to the last game. But we want to win the game."
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