Speaking after Premier League pacesetters Chelsea lost to Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, manager Antonio Conte has admitted that Victor Moses is an important player for the Blues.

Pedro Rodriguez moved into the right wing-back position in the absence of the Nigeria international, and the Italian has refused to criticize the ex-Barcelona star even though his side suffered their first loss at home since September.

“Victor is an important player for us and he is having a great season, but Pedro played a really good game, ” said Conte.

Moses sustained a calf injury against Manchester United in the FA Cup on March 13, but was patched up to feature in the last game before the international break, against Stoke City.

He has 27 Premier League appearances to his name so far this season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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