LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea celebrates after scoring his sides fourth goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Chelsea and Brentford at Stamford Bridge on January 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Michy Batshuayi has been linked with a move away from Chelsea. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Antonio Conte has challenged Michy Batshuayi to prove that he is worthy of a starting place at Chelsea.

The £33 million summer signing from Marseille is yet to start a Premier League game this season and was even overlooked on both occasions when Diego Costa was injured and suspended.

Earlier this week, reports claimed that Batshuayi will seek a loan move away from Stamford Bridge, having struggled to adapt to Conte’s tactics.

But Conte has urged the 23-year-old to focus on winning a place in the team before the end of the campaign.

‘It’s important, when you ask about my players, I like to repeat the most important thing is the present,’ said the Chelsea manager.

Chelsea's Italian head coach Antonio Conte (L) pats Chelsea's Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi (R) on the back at the end of the English FA Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Peterborough at Stamford Bridge in London on January 8, 2017. / AFP / Glyn KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
Conte has urged Batshuayi to prove his worth. (AFP/Getty Images)
Chelsea's Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi (L) battles with Peterborough United's English defender Ryan Tafazolli (R) during the English FA Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Peterborough at Stamford Bridge in London on January 8, 2017. / AFP / Glyn KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
Batshuayi has not started a Premier League game since his £33m transfer. (AFP/Getty Images)

‘To work hard in the present, at the end of the season we will see the situation of every single player.

‘Now he’s working very well for us, he must continue to work, then anything can happen.

‘If he shows me he deserves to play he will be in the starting eleven, if he doesn’t he will continue this way [on the bench].’

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