Michy Batshuayi is determined to fight for a starting spot at Chelsea despite reports linking him with a return to Marseille on loan despite his £33m summer move.
Batshuayi is with the Belgium squad for their World Cup qualifier against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday, having yet to start a league match for his new club. The 23-year-old scored against Watford on 20 August after coming off the bench and has made five substitute appearances, although he has been on the pitch for only 53 minutes in total in the Premier League.
Batshuayi has started both of Chelsea’s matches in the EFL Trophy, scoring twice against Bristol Rovers, but has so far been second choice behind Diego Costa, who is the league’s top scorer with six goals. A report in France this week suggested that Batshuayi may be interested in going back to the Stade Vélodrome on loan in search of first-team football after rumours emerged that he was not Antonio Conte’s first choice as a signing. However it is understood that the player is happy in London and wants to show he can make an impact under the Italian manager.
Chelsea signed Batshuayi from under the noses of Crystal Palace and West Ham United in June after sending medical staff to Belgium’s Euro 2016 training camp in Bordeaux. He was the first arrival at Stamford Bridge after Conte’s appointment, although the former Standard Liège striker was scouted extensively before then and it is understood that Conte gave his blessing to the deal with Marseille.
“Absolutely I think Michy can make an impact because he is a young player but very strong, with good technique,” Conte said in July. “He uses two feet. He is a great talent. I am very happy that Batshuayi is with us and I know the club bought a great player for the present and the future.”
Belgium host Bosnia-Herzegovina in Brussels before travelling to Gibraltar next week in Group H. The Everton striker Romelu Lukaku is expected to start up front for Roberto Martínez’s side, with Palace’s Christian Benteke also vying for a place.