Chelsea Striker Alvaro Morata Back at 100 Per Cent, Says Antonio Conte

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata is 100 per cent fit following the international break and is ready to play a key role in the Blues' final matches of the season, according to manager Antonio Conte.

The 25-year-old was not included in the Spain squad because of his poor first quarter of 2018, but Conte believes the break was good for the forward and allowed him to recover from a recent back injury, per Vaishali Bhardwaj of the Evening Standard:

"This period for Morata was very important. I think that, in the last week and this week, he has worked very well. I think that he needed to work hard because, don't forget, Alvaro was out for one and a half months with his back problem. 

"Now Alvaro is really fit, 100 per cent, and ready to have an important final of the season: for Chelsea and then, for him, to have the chance to go and play in the World Cup."

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Morata enjoyed a fine start to his Chelsea career following his summer move from Real Madrid, but his touch seems to have deserted him since the turn of the year.

He has returned 10 Premier League goals this season, but the last of those came on Boxing Day against Brighton & Hove Albion.

His goal in Chelsea's most recent outing—a 2-1 extra-time victory over Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals—was his first in 14 matches in all competitions.

It's a disappointing return for a player who cost the Blues a club-record fee.

However, Conte believes Morata is ready to return to his best, and it could hardly be better timed.

The Blues face a crucial encounter with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday at Stamford Bridge.

Given the state of the Premier League table, a defeat for the Blues could condemn them to finishing outside the top four. Tottenham, who hold the final UEFA Champions League qualification spot, are five points ahead of fifth-place Chelsea.

On the other hand, a victory over Spurs would put them back in the frame to qualify for next season's Champions League.

As well as suffering injury problems, what has been most noticeable about Morata during his recent poor run of form is his apparent lack of confidence in front of goal.

Conte's public backing, and the fact the Italian believes Morata has what it takes to force his way back into the Spain squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, is sure to give the forward a boost ahead of Sunday's game.