- Sergio Aguero, like Tiemoue Bakayoko, was involved in a car crash
- England cricketer Ben Stokes has been suspended after a late-night fight
- Chelsea manager Antonio Conte insists: ‘The players are not kids, they are men’
- Conte accepts David Luiz will be a big loss for the clash with Manchester City
Antonio Conte admits managers cannot treat their players like kids even after a cluster of scrapes for high-profile sports stars.
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is expected to miss the game against Conte’s Chelsea after a car accident in Amsterdam, where he had travelled to see a concert on his day off.
Tiemoue Bakayoko escaped unhurt after crashing his car on the way home from training last week.
Antonio Conte says it is down to the individuals to conduct themselves appropriately
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero suffered a broken rib during a car crash in Amsterdam
England cricketer Ben Stokes has been suspended after footage emerged of a late-night fight in Bristol also involving team-mates Alex Hales.
‘I like to give responsibility,’ said Conte. ‘The players are not kids, they are men, they have family. They have sons and I think it’s important to give them the right responsibility.
Conte spoke at the end of a week that has seen a number of regrettable off-field incidents
England cricketer Ben Stokes has been suspended after footage emerged of a late-night fight
‘Then, for sure, they have to make the best decisions for themselves.
‘It’s important to understand when there is the room to travel, to go to see a game or for other situations.
‘When you have your day off, you must take your own responsibility to try and make the best decision for you, the team and the club.’
Aguero, a passenger in a taxi when it crashed into a post, broke ribs in the accident and will not play in the Premier League game at Chelsea on Saturday.
Conte has refused to criticise David Luiz for following up his red card by conceding a penalty
The Italian boss is confident Andreas Christensen will fill the void left by Luiz this weekend
‘I am sorry for this situation,’ said Conte. ‘I hope that his feeling is good but, usually when you have this kind of accident, it’s not good.
‘But I think and hope he stays healthy.’
Chelsea are without David Luiz, who is suspended after a red card against Arsenal.
‘David Luiz is a very important player for us,’ said Conte. ‘For sure, he is a big loss for us but Andreas Christensen is playing very well, with great maturity and experience, and showing he can play with us. I am happy for his performances.’