Alvaro Morata to miss Chelsea clash with Watford due to back injury, however Antonio Conte cool on idea of first start for Olivier Giroud: 'It won’t be easy to see him in the starting XI'

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Chelsea could once again be without a recognised striker against Watford on Monday, with Alvaro Morata out injured and Olivier Giroud unlikely to start.

Manager Antonio Conte picked a side without a centre forward for the midweek Premier League clash with Bournemouth - a game Chelsea lost 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.

They could be forced into a similar situation on Monday, with Conte confirming that Morata will not play at Vicarage Road. 

Antonio Conte says Alvaro Morata will definitely not feature against Watford on Monday

Morata has a back injury and will not return to lead the Blues line at Vicarage Road

New signing Olivier Giroud could start, although Conte is not yet sure of his fitness

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Conte said: ‘Morata is still out, we hope to be able to solve his situation, but he has a problem in his back and is missing a lot of games, it is not a good situation for me or for team.'

That would appear to open the door for £18million deadline day signing Giroud, however Conte said the forward was unsure if he is yet fit to start.

He said: 'Giroud has had a muscular injury, he could only play for 15 minutes for Arsenal against Swansea. 

'We want players in the best physical condition, and to work with them so we are happy and they are happy with our football.’

Giroud trained with his team mates for the first time on Thursday, but his new manager is not yet sure if the striker can start at Vicarage Road.

Conte on Giroud: 'We have to check his condition. It won’t be easy to see him in the starting XI'

He said:  ‘We are starting to work with him, we have to check his physical condition. It won’t be easy to see him in the starting XI, but maybe.'

Another player who will definitely be absent against Watford is Andreas Christensen, the defender having hobbled off against Bournemouth with a hamstring injury.

Conte said: 'For Christensen, the first examination was positive, but we have to wait, but for sure he is out against Watford.’

Anotehr new signing, left back Emerson Palmieri, is also unlikely to feature, having only recently returned from injury.