Antonio Conte believes Nathan Ake could be an option for Chelsea in a number of positions following his return from Bournemouth.
Blues boss Conte says he recalled Ake from his season-long loan at Bournemouth because he believes the youngster has shown he is good enough to be part of Chelsea’s squad.
And with the Premier League leaders using a 3-4-3 formation to great effect, Conte thinks Ake could be a useful addition to the squad because of the 21-year-old’s versatility.
Conte explained: “I called him because I think he is showing he is ready to stay in the squad of Chelsea – and Chelsea is his home.
“He played in this championship with Watford last season and this season with Bournemouth. I think he has shown he deserves to stay in a great team like Chelsea.
“I’m pleased for him to come back and he gives me important options because we are playing with three at the back and he can play on the left or the middle.
“It is also important to see in training if he can play as a wing-back.
“We wanted to bring him back because he gives me good opportunities and solutions.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea are considering appealing against John Terry’s red card in their FA Cup win against Peterborough.
Terry was sent off midway through the second half of the third-round tie at Stamford Bridge, which the Blues won 4-1, for bringing down Lee Angol.
“I think it wasn’t right. He didn’t take the opponent and the second reason is that behind John there was Branislav Ivanovic to cover,” Conte said during his post-match press conference.
“It’s a pity. You have to respect the referee, but in this case maybe we will do an appeal. John didn’t deserve this.”