Antonio Conte says playing both Michy Batshuayi and new signing Alvaro Morata up front is a viable option for Chelsea.
The Blues boss, who has favoured playing with one out and out striker, recently brought in Morata in a club record £60m deal.
Conte has also been given food for thought by the form of Batshuayi towards the end of last term and during pre-season.
And Chelsea’s attacking options are currently limited, with Eden Hazard out with an ankle problem and Pedro recovering from a facial injury suffered in a recent friendly against Arsenal.
It means pairing Morata and Batshuayi is now something Conte is seriously considering for the start of the season.
“In this moment this could be a possibility because when you have Hazard and Pedro injured I tried this. I don’t see other options,” Conte said at a press conference ahead of this weekend’s Community Shield match against Arsenal.
“You only have Willian and for this reason I try to find these combinations. This could be an option for me.
“But for sure Alvaro I want to play him like a number a nine but, with his characteristics, he could play like a number 10.”
Conte added: “Alvaro is working very well and is trying to reach the best physical condition. He is working to go into our idea of football.
“He needed a bit of time to be ready to do this but is working very well.”