Chelsea manager Antonio Conte ahead of his side’s meeting with Roma (Getty)

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is unhappy with his defenders amid concerns over their form, says Charlie Nicholas.

The Blues have been conceding goals far more readily this season than last, with their record of 10 goals against bettered by five other sides in the Premier League.

Tonight they take on Roma in the Champions League, a side that managed to score three against Conte’s side in a 3-3 draw when they met at Stamford Bridge earlier this month.

‘I thought Chelsea were a bit fortunate to get a draw in the reverse fixture [against Roma] and I do feel there is some awkwardness in this Chelsea team at the moment,’ Arsenal legend Nicholas told Sky Sports.

‘The defence is the real concern and Antonio Conte is not happy with them.’

For the 1-0 win over Bournemouth at the weekend, captain Gary Cahill was dropped to the bench to form a backline of Marcos Alonso, Antonio Rudiger, David Luiz, Cesar Azpilicueta and Davide Zappacosta.

Conte on the training ground (Getty)
Cahill was dropped to the bench at the weekend (Getty)

There are problems at the other end of the pitch as well for Conte. Nicholas believes Alvaro Morata, who is yet to score in four outings since returning from injury, is short of fitness.

‘I don’t know what has happened to Morata. He doesn’t look fit and I don’t know whether he’s concerned his hamstring won’t let him sprint.’

Morata is without a goal in five games (Getty)

Chelsea 2017/18 Fixtures

Newcastle (A) - Sun May 13

Chelsea currently top their Champions League group ahead of Roma, Atletico Madrid and Qarabag. A positive result in Rome will virtually guarantee their progress to the knockout phase.

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