Alvaro Morata suspension for Everton match is a 'big loss,' says Chelsea boss Antonio Conte

The forward received a fifth booking of the season for his celebrations after scoring the winning goal in Chelsea's 2-1 win over Bournemouth in the EFL Cup

Morata is shown a yellow card following his goal celebrations (Getty)

Antonio Conte says Alvaro Morata’s suspension for Chelsea’s Saturday match against Everton is “a big loss” after the striker received a fifth booking of the season for his celebration in the late 2-1 League Cup win over Bournemouth, but otherwise described it as a “great night”.

The striker scored a 91st-minute winner mere seconds after Dan Gosling had equalised for Bournemouth, putting Chelsea into the semi-finals, and leading to raucous celebrations that saw Morata get booked.

“I must be honest, I didn't see this yellow card,” Conte said. He's a big loss for us, especially because we have to play a tough game against Everton. It's a pity. It's a pity. But we have to accept it. Tonight, many players were booked… but the most important thing is we are in the semi-finals. Last season, if you remember, we were eliminated in the [fourth] round against West Ham [United].

“This season we must be happy with this achievement, to reach a semi-final in one of the two cups in England. It's great for us, especially because we reached the semi-final with a lot of rotation. I'm very happy because I've had a good response from my players. I hope to continue in this way.

“Tonight, many players had a chance to play from the start, and I think I had good responses from them. I am very happy for this. I hope this game improves the physical condition, especially for the players who have had injuries. For those who have not played with regularity, also. But I'm very happy. Very happy for the performance of these players, because it means we are working very well.”

Conte was also pleased to have avoided extra-time.

“It was important not to go and play 30 minutes more. It was a bit dangerous. But we must be pleased. We had a great reaction to their goal. It's not simple conceding a goal in the last minute of the game, but when you have this reaction you have players with great character, personality and talent. We must be pleased.”