---
title: "Conte: Fabregas could be Chelsea’s only fit midfielder"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2017/10/20/conte-fabregas-chelseas-fit-midfielder/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2017-10-20T18:35:31Z"
modified: "2017-10-20T18:35:31Z"
---

# Conte: Fabregas could be Chelsea’s only fit midfielder

Antonio Conte has admitted that Cesc Fabregas could be Chelsea’s only fit and available first-team midfielder for their game against Watford.

The Blues are currently suffering something of an injury crisis in midfield, and their options are extremely limited.

N’Golo Kante is sidelined having picked up a hamstring problem while on international duty earlier in the month. Danny Drinkwater, on the other hand, is still nursing a calf problem.

Tiemoue Bakayoko was also hurt in Chelsea’s enthralling 3-3 draw with Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday night. He pulled up with a groin injury, leading to David Luiz filling in further up the pitch for the remainder of the game.

![Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/862871912.jpg)

Conte, as quoted by [Goal](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/premier-league-antonio-conte-admits-chelsea-midfield-crisis/1p0d32caqzjb21jbwhbu9fql8m), confirmed that if there are no unexpected returns from injury before the clash against the Hornets, Fabregas will be the only available midfielder.

> We have many doubts. I hope to try to recover some players in these 24 hours. Yeah, that could be the case.

> I’m not happy changing the role of my players. I think every player has his own role. But, sometimes, you have a situation where you have to adapt and you must be ready to pay for this. It’s normal.

Chelsea will know that they must beat Watford if they are to keep their titles hopes alive, with Manchester City leading the way at the top.