Ake in line to start for Chelsea in FA Cup semi-final

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has suggested
that Nathan Ake will get the nod to deputise in
Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham
for Gary Cahill, who has been hospitalized this
week with gastroenteritis.
Ake grew in stature during a loan spell at
Bournemouth earlier in the season, making 12
appearances in all competitions before being
recalled to Stamford Bridge in January.
The defender featured in Chelsea's previous FA Cup
wins over Brentford and Wolves earlier in the
competition and is poised to face Spurs at
Wembley.
"He deserves to have this chance to play because
he is showing me in all this period, always a great
commitment," said Conte.
"He worked very hard. His behaviours are great,
fantastic, and he never said nothing [regarding a
lack of opportunities].
"Don't forget that Ake was playing every game with
Bournemouth, and he wanted to come and to stay
with us to try to work together and to help us to
fight for the title. I think he's a good player and I
think he's ready to have this opportunity, to have
this chance.
"He deserves this opportunity and I trust him. I
have no problem to take this decision."
Cahill has played in all 32 Premier League games
for Chelsea this term, forming a formidable back
three alongside Cesar Azpilicueta and David Luiz.
"In this case I think for this position Ake has the
right characteristic to be the substitute to Gary,"
said Conte.
"I think that we have to enjoy this moment,
because this moment is great for everyone.