Alvaro Morata’s troubled start to the year has suffered another blow after one of the striker’s best friends was killed in a car crash.

Chelsea have been helping their £57 million record signing grieve for his friend, who died this week, and will allow the Spaniard extra time off if he needs it.

Head coach Antonio Conte allowed Morata to have a day off from undergoing treatment on his back injury this week after being informed of the bereavement.

Morata missed the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg defeat to Arsenal with his back problem and has been ruled out of Sunday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Newcastle United for the same reason.

The former Real Madrid star is scheduled to return to training next week, but may not be ready to face Bournemouth on Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge. There is also the possibility he will require more time off to return to Spain and attend his friend’s funeral.