Morata ruled out for over a month

Head coach Antonio Conte admitted he took a risk over the fitness of Morata by starting him against City, but had suggested the Spaniard’s injury was not serious.

Published : Oct 03, 2017 14:34 IST

Medical experts claim that a grade two hamstring injury can sideline a player for anywhere between six to eight weeks, although no official timescale has been put on Morata’s absence.

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has been ruled out for over a month after he suffered a grade two hamstring injury.

The Spaniard was forced off during Chelsea's defeat to Manchester City, at Stamford Bridge, as he hobbled off in the 35th minute.

Head coach Antonio Conte admitted he took a risk over the fitness of Morata by starting him against City, but had suggested the Spaniard’s injury was not serious.

But in confirming that Morata had pulled out of the Spain squad for the games against Albania and Israel, the Spanish Federation revealed the 24-year-old had undergone an MRI scant that revealed a grade two injury.

Medical experts claim that a grade two hamstring injury can sideline a player for anywhere between six to eight weeks, although no official timescale has been put on Morata’s absence.

Spain is top of group G, three points clear of Italy, with two games remaining.