Antonio Conte has revealed Cesc Fabregas did not start their match against West Brom due to the physicality of the baggies.

Fabregas was brilliant for the Blues in their victory over Manchester city but was omitted from the starting line-up in their 1-0 win over West Brom much to the surprise of many. Conte has now insisted he went for Nemanja Matic because of the way West Brom plays.

‘West Brom, for sure, is a physical team,’ Conte told BT Sport.

‘But I think Matic, before the injury, played very well and it’s right to continue to play that.

‘To have a good substitute like Cesc is important for me.’