Chelsea do not want to let Michy Batshuayi out on loan in January, with the striker hoping to be handed his first Premier League start against Bournemouth on Boxing Day.

With Diego Costa out through suspension, head coach Antonio Conte must decide whether to start Batshuayi in the League for the first time since his £33million move from Marseille or play Eden Hazard through the middle with Pedro and Willian either side of him.

Batshuayi is desperate to play more, having only made 13 appearances mostly as a substitute this season, and West Ham have enquired about taking him on loan in January.

But Chelsea would rather the Belgian remains at Stamford Bridge, where they are confident he will prove to be a big success. The Blues are unlikely to change that stance unless the player asks for a move.

Costa’s superb form, together with the fact the striker has not been injured or banned until now, has severely limited Batshuayi’s opportunities.