'Conte Doesn't Rate Batshuayi'  (Sky Sports)

Jamie Redknapp has questioned whether Chelsea boss Antonio Conte should have introduced striker Michy Batshuayi earlier in Saturday's goalless draw at Everton.

The champions may have dominated proceedings at Goodison Park, having 25 efforts on goal, but only eight were on target.

However, despite Alvaro Morata being suspended for the game, Chelsea's coach not only opted to start with Batshuayi on the substitutes' bench, but also did not bring the Belgian on until 19 minutes from time.

"From Conte's point of view, get Batshuayi on," said the Sky Sports pundit.

"You could see the way the game was flowing. It was not a game for clever football, you almost had to score an ugly goal. And that is when they needed a finisher on the pitch.

"With no Morata and you still do not play him, what is he thinking? The manager does not fancy me one bit…. Even though his centre forward is injured (suspended), he still does not play him."

Conte opted to go with a three-man front line of Eden Hazard, Willian and Pedro at Goodison - bringing Batshuayi off the bench for a late run-out as he also recently did against Watford, Bournemouth and Huddersfield.

However, the manager's decision not to go with a recognised forward in the absence of his first-choice frontman does not bode well for Batshuayi's future at Stamford Bridge, says Redknapp.

"I still feel there are games when you need an out-and-out striker, someone that is going to get into the box," said the former Liverpool and England midfielder.

"Victor Moses got a couple of crosses in first half when you are crying out for someone just to get that toe across the goal at an important moment.

"I think back to the West Brom game when they won the league last season and he came on and made that difference.

"And as a player, if you cannot get in the team when the centre forward is out, you may as well go somewhere else if you ask me."

One option would be for Chelsea to bring in another back-up striker to cover for Morata, although only if Conte has confidence in that player, says Redknapp.

"Even if you find someone [to back up Morata], at least play him," Redknapp said. "Because they have someone to back him up who cost £35 million, but the manager obviously does not fancy him.

"Now there might be reasons that we do not know - he might not train very well, because that is what you have to do at times, show willing, and that might be something he does not do well enough."