Antonio Conte has claimed new signing Olivier Giroud is unlikely to start against Watford on Monday as misfiring Chelsea seek to get back on track following their abject defeat at home to Bournemouth.

The deadline day arrival from Arsenal and fellow new signing Emerson Palmieri watched from the stands in midweek as theBlues were humiliated by Eddie Howe's Cherries in a 3-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.

Both players are returning to fitness following injuries and Conte said they must be eased back into first-team action, suggesting former Giroud could be on the bench at Watford at Vicarage Road.

"We have to wait because don't forget that especially for Palmieri we are talking about a player he's coming from a bad injury," the Blues boss said..

"Olivier is coming (back) from a muscular injury, he was out for 50 days before he played 15 minutes in the game against Swansea (for Arsenal, on Tuesday). We are working with him and we have to check his physical condition. It won't be easy for him to start (at Watford).

"I think we have to try to make the best decision to bring these two players in the best physical condition and then to work with them because it's important to have themselves with our idea of football."

Spain striker Alvaro Morata will remain unavailable to Conte at Vicarage Road because of his back injury, while centre-back Andreas Christensen will miss out due to the hamstring problem he suffered against Bournemouth.

Forward Willian could return though following his hamstring issue and defender David Luiz is back training after an ankle problem.

Chelsea have played nine games in all competitions this year but have won just twice.