Michy Batshuayi has told Chelsea fans that manager Antonio Conte does respect him.
Batshuayi joined Chelsea from Marseille in the summer, having scored 17 goals in Ligue 1 last season.
But the Belgium international has struggled for game time during the early stages of his career in west London.
The 23-year-old has made a total of 17 senior appearances this term but is yet to start a top-flight fixture for the Premier League leaders.
Diego Costa's omission for Saturday's trip to Leicester appeared to give Batshuayi an opportunity to lead the line but he was overlooked by Conte, who played Eden Hazard in a central role.
However, when fans suggested Conte's decision not to play Batshuayi regularly amounted to disrespect the striker insisted that was not the case.
Meanwhile, Costa's future remains unclear with Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjian adamant they cannot wait until the summer to sign the forward.
Costa has been central to Chelsea's success this season but Conte may have to assess alternative options ahead of Sunday's clash with Hull if he opts against recalling the Spaniard.
