N'Golo Kante and David Luiz doubts for Chelsea vs Middlesbrough but Thibaut Courtois passed fit

N'Golo Kante and David Luiz are doubtful for the visit of Middlesbrough on Monday night (8 May) due to injuries but Antonio Conte has played down concerns over Thibaut Courtois after claiming that the Chelsea number one is fit to play. Yet, the Italian boss expects his side to secure their third consecutive victory anyway as Tottenham Hotspur will reduce the Blues lead to only one point if they beat West Ham on Friday night.

The Premier League player of the year played the full 90 minutes during the 3-0 win over Everton on weekend but the Brazilian international was forced off and replaced by Nathan Ake later in the game.

Courtois, meanwhile, recently missed the defeat to Manchester United due to an ankle injury and reports earlier in the week suggested that the Belgium international had suffered a new recurrence ahead of the last four games of the Premier League.

Conte admitted his concerns over the first two players but said that the Chelsea number one has been training with the rest of his teammates during the week and shouldn't have any problem when Middlesbrough visit Stamford Bridge on Monday night.

"Thibaut trained today and yesterday, I don't see any problems with him,'' Conte said. "This week we are struggling with two situations, David and N'Golo, but there are three days before the game and I have time to make the best decisions about them.

"N'Golo has a little muscular problem with his thigh, not a great problem, so for this reason I must see the best way for him."

The potential absence of Kante and David Luiz will surely be seen as a boost at Tottenham as Spurs will try to keep the pressure on Chelsea when they visit West Ham on Friday night.

Chelsea could drop three points in the four games remaining and still claim the title but Conte has urged his side to don't take anything for granted ahead of the visit of Middlesbrough, pointing out that Steve Agnew's side will be desperately looking to secure the three points to avoid the relegation.

"We must play a great game and try to take three points because it's very important. With only four games to go it's important to win, but it won't be easy because they are struggling to avoid relegation. We must be ready to fight and find the right way to take three points," Conte said.

"There are two teams with desperation to find the result because Middlesbrough have to win if they want to continue to hope to play in the Premier League next season and for us it's the same, we have to win because Tottenham are very close, so I think we will see a really good game on Monday."

Yet, the Chelsea manager has backed his side to cope with the pressure as the Italian side is in the right path to win the double of Premier League and FA Cup in his first season at the club.

"Pressure at this stage of the season is normal and you must cope with it, it's normal at a great club when you are fighting for the title and to reach the best targets. Every single player, and the coach, has good experience to face this moment," the Chelsea boss added.

"Our plan is to continue to work really hard and prepare for our final games, and the FA Cup final against Arsenal. It's important we don't make mistakes because it's very difficult to recover, but we are ready to fight and ready to play these four games."