Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has poured cold water over rumours that midfielder Oscar is leaving the club in the January window.
The Brazil international had been linked with a move to Italian giants Inter Milan, having fallen out of the side since the former Juventus boss switched to a 3-4-3 system.
The 25-year-old, who was a prominent member of the side in the early stages of the season, hasn’t started a game for Conte in the Premier League since the 2-1 defeat to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpoool in September, making just two appearances from the bench.
However, speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Middlesbrough this weekend, the Italian manager said:
“Oscar’s future is Chelsea.
“It’s Chelsea. Full stop. For me Oscar is an important player and he’s in good form.”
It is unlikely that Conte’s comments will mean a start for Oscar, such has been the form of the players he has plumped for ahead of the midfielder since, however they will be of much encouragement.
Despite the backing of his manager, who has been named Manager of the Month for October – alongside winger Eden Hazard who took the Player of the Month accolade, without EFL Cup football Oscar will have to work hard to return to the side.