Chelsea manager Antonio Conte begs board for extra recruits before transfer deadline over fears for September run: 'It's going to be very difficult'

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Antonio Conte has urged Chelsea's board to save him from a nightmare September by making major moves before the transfer window shuts in three days' time.

Chelsea face seven games in 22 days after the international break and despite back-to-back wins, Conte sees renewed difficulties on the horizon without new signings.

The Italian is seeking at least three new additions with Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Leicester City's Danny Drinkwater among his principle targets.

Antonio Conte has urged the Chelsea board to make more signings before the deadline

'Don't forget, when we start next month, we have to play seven games,' Conte said. 'I need to rotate my players because it's very difficult to play seven games in a month with these players.

'The club is working very hard to strengthen. They know very well our situation. But I'm ready in every case to continue to work with the players we have.' 

He added: 'I'm a coach, not a manager. I think the best of my work is on the pitch, then when you want to strengthen your squad, you have to give your opinion, then the club goes into the transfer market to try and sort the situation. To try and help us.

Conte has warned about not being able to properly rotate his squad during busy periods

'Sometimes it could be possible. Sometimes it's not possible. But I must be focused with things on the pitch and continue to work with my players.' 

Meanwhile, Ronald Koeman confirmed Everton midfielder Muhamed Besic had put himself forward to play despite the news that his father had been shot in Bosnia.

Besic, a half-time substitute at Stamford Bridge, is expected to return to his homeland to visit father Meho, 46, this week.

Muhamed Besic played for Everton on Sunday despite receiving news his father had been shot