Antonio Conte Laments Late Booking Which Will See Alvaro Morata Suspended for Everton Clash

Antonio Conte has lamented the loss of Alvaro Morata for the weekend's game against Everton thanks to a yellow card picked up late in Wednesday night's Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Bournemouth. 

The booking came for 'excessive celebration' in the aftermath of Morata's injury time winner at Stamford Bridge, and leaves the Spaniard absent for Saturday's trip to face a resurgent Everton. 

“I must be honest, I didn't see this yellow card,” Conte said after the game. "He's a big loss for us, especially because we have to play a tough game against Everton. It's a pity. It's a pity. But we have to accept it. 

"Tonight, many players were booked...but the most important thing is we are in the semi-finals. Last season, if you remember, we were eliminated in the [fourth] round against West Ham [United].

“This season we must be happy with this achievement, to reach a semi-final in one of the two cups in England. It's great for us, especially because we reached the semi-final with a lot of rotation. I'm very happy because I've had a good response from my players. I hope to continue in this way. 

“Tonight, many players had a chance to play from the start, and I think I had good responses from them. I am very happy for this. I hope this game improves the physical condition, especially for the players who have had injuries. For those who have not played with regularity, also. But I'm very happy. Very happy for the performance of these players, because it means we are working very well.”