Chelsea Striker Alvaro Morata Declares Himself Fit for West Brom Fixture

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has declared himself fit to face West Bromwich Albion Monday evening, just days after manager Antonio Conte suggested his forward could be out injured for the rest of the season. 

Oliver Todd of MailOnline explained how Morata commented on a video recently posted by his wife, Alice, which showed the two dancing despite concerns over the forward's back injury.

Morata has not featured in the Premier League since the 0-0 stalemate with Leicester City on January 13, and ESPN FC's Liam Twomey provided a screenshot of the exchange where he said he's ready to play Monday:

The Spain international is yet to score in 2018 but would provide Chelsea with a much-needed presence in attack if he can spring back to form, with the Blues having lost their last two league outings in succession.

His defence of his condition came after Conte had placed a question mark over the attacker's potential return, saying his charge could require the rest of the campaign to properly recover, via Goal:

That appears to not be the case, at least according to Morata himself, although it remains to be seen whether fans can expect him to play any part in the home clash against the Baggies.

Morata provided an update on his fitness after a training session on Saturday alongside Davide Zappacosta and appeared to be in good form:

The 25-year-old has scored 12 goals in 31 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions this season, although his touch in front of goal has suffered since netting nine times in his first 14 Premier League outings.

It's possible January recruit Olivier Giroud could earn his first start for Chelsea against West Brom, although manager Conte has shown a preference to field Eden Hazard in a more advanced role instead.

Morata is a scoring force to be reckoned with at his best but hadn't managed to notch a goal in his last three league games prior to injury, his longest stretch of matches without finding the goal in Chelsea colours.

Charlie Skillen of the Daily Mail spoke of the rejuvenating effect he could have on the west Londoners should he return, outlining the importance of a recognised central figure in attack:

Morata last scored in the 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Boxing Day, but Conte will need every asset at his disposal as he looks to correct Chelsea's current trajectory.

The Blues are one of only two teams in England's top flight to have lost their last two matches—bottom-place West Brom being the other—but the return of their summer signing may be the key to stopping the rot.