New Chelsea signing Danny Drinkwater is unlikely to feature in this week’s games against Qarabag and Arsenal, Antonio Conte has confirmed.
In his Monday news conference, the Blues boss confirmed that the 27-year-old midfielder has been dealt a fresh injury blow having already suffered with a light thigh injury earlier in the summer. The problem is not thought to be related to the strain he picked up during training with Leicester prior to his move to Stamford Bridge this summer, with Conte suggesting that it is instead a calf issue.
The Italian told reporters: “Danny Drinkwater had a muscular problem in his calf. We’re waiting to check the problem,” suggesting that the star’s wait for his Chelsea debut is likely to go for at least another week. The England international will be raring to go having been picked up for an impressive £35 million on transfer deadline day, and will be sorely disappointed not to have made his debut for Chelsea against his former club this past weekend.
In the event, it was another former Fox, N’Golo Kante, who proved the hero of the hour on Saturday, heading home the decisive goal against Leicester in the Blues’ 2-1 victory and being named the man of the match in the process. Drinkwater will be hoping for a similarly impressive outing when he eventually makes his Chelsea debut.
