Eden Hazard has not travelled with the Chelsea squad to Sunderland ahead of Wednesday's Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light, sources close to the club have confirmed to ESPN FC.
Hazard, 25, will miss the game due to injury picked up during a 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion, according to reports in the English media.
The Belgium international was replaced by Branislav Ivanovic on 79 minutes at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, having received treatment on the pitch in the first half following a tackle from West Brom defender Gareth McAuley.
Chelsea head to the Stadium of Light aiming to record a 10th consecutive Premier League victory, and Willian is in line to replace Hazard in the attacking unit of Conte's 3-4-3 system that has powered the Blues' rise to the top of the table.
Hazard has reportedly remained at Cobham for treatment along with captain John Terry, who is currently sidelined with a gluteal muscle injury. Conte will hope that his star winger is fully fit and available for Saturday's match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Speaking at a media conference on Tuesday, Conte insisted that his Chelsea players are physically prepared to stand up to the punishing festive fixture schedule. "I think we are ready to face a lot of games within a few days," he said.
"We've worked very hard [physically] to face this Christmas period, and now it's important to start it in the right way."