Batshuayi remains on bench despite Costa's ban

Michy Batshuayi still can't get a Premier League start, even when Diego Costa isn't standing in his way.

With the league's leading scorer suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season last week, the young Belgian was expected to get the nod from the opening whistle against Bournemouth - after 10 substitute appearances, that would have signalled his first league start of the campaign.

Instead, manager Antonio Conte opted not to start a traditional striker, leaving Batshuayi on the bench in favour of Willian, Pedro, and Eden Hazard in a makeshift three-man frontline.

Conte had praised the 23-year-old summer signing earlier in the week, saying: "He's showing great commitment, great work-rate during the training sessions, great passion. For sure he wants to play and it's not easy when you have Diego Costa in front of you - above all this Costa, who is playing fantastic football and scoring a lot of goals.

"But I repeat: It's important for Michy to continue to work, to continue to improve. I'm sure his moment will arrive. If I decide to put Michy in the starting XI, it is because he is ready to play. He must do what he knows, what we are doing in the training sessions. Only this. If Michy is here, it's because he deserves to stay here."

Chelsea, sitting atop the table, is looking for a club record 12th consecutive Premier League victory.