Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has said that he does not need to explain why Michy Batshuayi did not start during Saturday’s goalless draw versus Everton. The Premier League holders dominated the proceedings at Goodison Park with more than 20 shots at goal, and they could not find a way through a resolute Toffees backline.

Speaking after the game, the Italian had no regrets starting the Belgian off the bench despite not possessing the services of Alvaro Morata, who was suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card of the domestic campaign, he said: “I think there is nothing to explain why I decide to [play] with Hazard, Willian, Pedro. It is not the first time. I have to make the best decision for my team and today I made the best decision. Don’t forget our striker Morata was out and I think this player is very important for us, but at the same time we played with second options, with three number 10s – Willian, Pedro, Hazard – and we created many chances.”

Meanwhile, Conte insisted that Batshuayi had only recently returned from an injury, and he is still not to the mark to make an impression from the starting lineup, he added: “Don’t forget Michy started many games at the start of the season and then he had an injury. He is coming back from an injury.”

Batshuayi has been playing second-fiddle to Alvaro Morata since the start of the campaign, but there has been talk of him pursuing a loan move in January in order to enhance his chances of making the World Cup squad with Belgium.

With Morata back after suspension, Batshuayi may have to stick for a bench role in the top-flight, although he could get his chance in the League Cup where they face London rivals Arsenal in a two-legged semi-final in January. Chelsea are winless in their last three competitive games versus Arsenal, and they will want to take an early advantage in the first-leg at Stamford Bridge.