Tiemoue Bakayoko could be risked against Tottenham this weekend (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has hinted at his frustration in the transfer market by admitting he may be forced into ‘risking’ Tiemoue Bakayoko against Tottenham.

Bakayoko, 23, who joined the Blues from Monaco for a fee of £40million in July, is yet to make an appearance for his new club after undergoing minor knee surgery earlier this summer.

Reports suggest the France midfielder has told Conte he’s ready to face Spurs, with the Premier League champions struggling with several injuries ahead of the Wembley clash.

Chelsea sold Nemanja Matic to Manchester United last month – and are pushing hard to sign Leicester star Danny Drinkwater – and Conte admits he’s lacking options in midfield in the lead-up to the London derby.

He told the media: ‘I’m not worried about this and, for sure, at this moment it’s not simple but we must be strong to face this situation and it’s very important that I don’t find excuses.

Antonio Conte still wants another midfield signing this summer (Picture: Getty)

‘Bakayoko is improving very well . He’s not at top physical condition but he could be in contention for the game because I don’t have any other midfielders available.

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‘I have to decide. This situation is not easy at the moment. It could force me to take different decisions. At the moment some players are not 100 per cent.

‘[Alvaro] Morata is another player who needs to improve and find the right physical condition.

‘I have to make difficult decisions. Bakayoko could be in contention for the game against Tottenham.’

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