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Alvaro Morata could delay return to Chelsea team following death of a close friend in car accident

Alvaro Morata's return to the Chelsea team may be delayed by personal grief after the death of a close friend in a car accident.

Morata, out of action with a back problem, was given permission by Antonio Conte to take time out away from treatment last week as he came to terms with the devastating news.

The Spain international was already ruled out of Chelsea's FA Cup fourth round tie against Newcastle on Sunday and is not expected to be fit for the Premier League game against Bournemouth on Wednesday.