Antonio Conte insists today’s game was Getty Images)

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte insists that today’s FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham was a priority despite the surprise decision to bench both Diego Costa and Eden Hazard.

The Blues ran out 4-2 winners against Spurs in a thrilling encounter at Wembley, with Hazard eventually coming off the bench to score the third goal for Conte’s men.

Chelsea haven’t had the busiest of schedules this season due to not being involved in European football, so some eyebrows were raised when two of his star attackers didn’t make the first XI.

Conte took a risk with his selection today (Picture: Getty)

Still, despite playing Southampton in the league on Tuesday, Conte insists he was still making the cup semi his priority.

‘When you arrive in this part of the season, when you know you are to play three tough games. One in the semi-final to reach the final in a top game. This game was top in our priority. Then you have to play again on Tuesday,’ he explained afterwards.

Chelsea remaining fixtures

Sunderland (H) - Sun 21 May
Arsenal FA Cup (N) - Sat 27 May

‘It’s important for the league against a team that has to rest ten days. Tottenham have one more day to rest. They play the day after against Palace.

‘You must take a strong decision and take the responsibility to take this decision. It’s not easy to decide to start the game without two important players. You must take this responsibility and involve the players in your plan and to operate with this decision is good.’

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