Chelsea boss keen to provide more opportunities to Michy Batshuayi

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has insisted that Michy Batshuayi will get more chances to impress with the Premier League holders this term.

The Belgium international was restricted to just one league start during the 2016/17 campaign as he regularly played second fiddle to Diego Costa.

Even in Costa's absence, Conte opted to utilise the services of Eden Hazard in a false 9 position with Willian and Pedro providing the support in the wider positions.

Speaking at a news conference, the Italian manager admitted that the Belgian is more deserving of additional gametime after having become accustomed to the pace of the game.

"If you compare Michy with last season, he has improved a lot and he understands this league because it is not simple," he told reporters, via ESPN.

"He understands our style of football but he is another young player and he is working very hard to improve. This season he is finding many opportunities to play."

Batshuayi has already contributed five goals in eight appearances for Chelsea this term - with the latest being the winner in the 2-1 comeback triumph over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Conte has previously shown reluctance to start the former Marseille man up front in the Premier League, and it will be interesting to see whether he gets the nod against Crystal Palace in Alvaro Morata's absence through injury.