MICHY BATSHUAYI will leave Chelsea in January because Antonio Conte doesn’t rate him.
That’s the view of former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino.
Batshuayi has struggled to make a name for himself at Stamford Bridge under Antonio Conte since his summer move from Marseille in 2016.
The Belgian played second fiddle to Diego Costa last term and looks to be doing the same again with Alvaro Morata first choice this season.
However, with Morata sidelined with a hamstring injury Batshuayi was tasked with leading the line against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
But the 24-year-old struggled to make an impact as the Blues suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Eagles.
Batshuayi insists he will not be leaving the club in January, but Cascarino thinks Conte is ready to let him leave.
He told The Times: “When you are at a club and they are trying to sign a 32-year-old, 6ft 4in striker who would make you the third-choice No 9, then it’s clear the manager doesn’t rate you.
“That’s the situation Batshuayi has found himself in at Chelsea.
“And even though Antonio Conte didn’t sign Fernando Llorente, he’s still trying to not play Batshuayi.
“Against Manchester City last month, Conte replaced the injured Alvaro Morata with Willian after 35 minutes, then when they were chasing a goal against Crystal Palace he subbed Batshuayi on 57 minutes.
“How many arrows can be fired into his back?
“Conte clearly doesn’t rate him and that rubs off on the fans, who think he’s not good enough.
“It’s clear that his future lies elsewhere and I think he will leave the club in January.”
Source:www.express.co.uk