Conte hoping for Ake and other returning loanees to make Chelsea impact

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte believes Nathan Aké is ready to compete for a spot in his title-chasing side, having recalled the defender early from his Bournemouth loan.

The Blues bounced back to winning ways after their first defeat in 14 Premier League games by Spurs in midweek, sweeping aside Peterborough United 4-1 in the FA Cup on Sunday.

That game saw the return of Kurt Zouma to the Chelsea backline, with the defender finally recovering from a horror injury that had kept him out of the entirety of the season so far.

But with Aké impressing for the Cherries in recent weeks, Conte insists the versatile 21-year-old Dutchman also has a role to play in Chelsea’s run in, and will be tested out in the wing-back position.

“I called him back because I think he’s showing that he’s ready to stay in the squad of Chelsea,” he said.

“Chelsea is his home. In the last season he played with Watford, and this season he was with Bournemouth.

“He’s shown he deserves to stay at a great team like Chelsea. I’m pleased he’s come back.

“Ake gives me an important option because we are playing with three central defenders. He can play on the left and in the middle. It’s important to see in training sessions if he can also play wing-back.”

Conte has also welcomed back Kenedy and Charly Musonda – who were loaned out to Watford and Real Betis respectively at the start of the season – to his first team ranks, and will assess whether the pair will also contribute to Chelsea’s title challenge in the coming weeks.

He added: “In this [transfer] window it’s very difficult to find great players, but we are seeing if we are able to find the opportunity to improve this team.

“We will continue with these players, Ake is coming back and Kenedy and Musonda are working with us.

“It’s important for me to evaluate this profile and make the best decision.”