Chelsea boss Antonio Conte avoids questions over Alvaro Morata’s World Cup spot after striker is left out of Spain squad

Antonio Conte has dodged questions about whether Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has performed well enough to go to the World Cup with Spain this summer.

Morata made a big-money move from Real Madrid to Chelsea last summer, and initially hit the ground running with seven goals in his first seven appearances in all competitions, including a hat-trick away to Stoke City.

However, the 25-year-old then suffered a dip in form after Christmas before sustaining a back injury and has not scored since returning to action - with his last goal coming against Brighton in the Premier League on Boxing Day.

Morata's form resulted in Conte opting to start Olivier Giroud against Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday and, on Friday, Spain coach Julen Lopetegui leaving him out of his squad to face Germany and Argentina during the upcoming international break.

But when asked whether the striker, as well as Chelsea defender Gary Cahill, had performed well enough this season to warrant going to the World Cup finals in Russia this summer, Conte avoided answering the question.

Speaking to reporters at Cobham, the Chelsea coach said: "I think that this question is for the coach of the national team, not for me.

"My only worry is to try to have the players in the best form for Chelsea. Then there is a national team coach to make the best decision for the country."

When then specifically asked about Morata, Conte replied: "Maybe he could score on Sunday?"

Spain play Germany away on Friday 23 March before hosting Argentina in a friendly match on Tuesday 27 March - and Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso will be part of the squad for those games after getting his first call-up to La Roja.

Cesar Azpilicueta has also been selected by Lopetegui.