Football: Chelsea's Conte to ring changes for Bournemouth clash

Conte (above) will rotate his squad for the League Cup quarter-final against Bournemouth. PHOTO: EPA-EFE

LONDON (REUTERS) - Chelsea manager Antonio Conte will rotate his squad for Wednesday's (Dec 20) League Cup quarter-final but has warned his players they should be ready to 'suffer' against a wounded Bournemouth side looking to bounce back from a Premier League defeat.

Conte has involved his fringe players in the competition this season but believes Bournemouth will pose a tough challenge as they look to respond to a 4-0 league hammering by Liverpool at the weekend.

"Bournemouth is a good team and we must be prepared to suffer and fight a lot to go through to the next round," the Italian told a news conference on Tuesday.

"We played against Everton and we did this (made changes). We won the game and went through to the next round. I hope, tomorrow as well."

Brazilian midfielder Kenedy is likely to add to his two starts in the competition while midfielders Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ethan Ampadu and defender Dujon Sterling could feature.

"Every competition is serious and I think our task is to try to win the game and reach the semi-final. At the same time I think it's right in this competition to give the opportunity to the players who are not playing regularly.

"I have to trust my players not just with words but facts. I want to give them a big opportunity in a big game to show me they deserve to play."

Midfielder Charly Musonda is out with a groin injury while Spanish striker Alvaro Morata could be rested with back-up Michy Batshuayi taking his place. Defender David Luiz continues his recovery from a knee injury.

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