Roma manager Eusebio Di Francesco has insisted that he intends to continue fielding Edin Dzeko, despite the striker reportedly being close to joining Chelsea.
Dzeko is at the centre of talks between the two clubs over a January switch, as the Blues attempt to bolster their attacking ranks with the addition of a targetman.
Di Francesco admitted on the eve of Roma's league clash with Sampdoria that he would make a late decision over whether to start the Bosnia-Herzegovina international, which proved to be the case as he scored a last-minute equaliser in the 1-1 draw.
As the uncertainty over Dzeko's future continues into the final week of the transfer window, Di Francesco admits that he has no intention of reducing the striker's workload.
"He made himself available for the game, despite the many rumours. He is a player who sometimes you can see little of, but then he appears," he told reporters following Wednesday's away draw.
"It's a choice for the club, determined by many factors. As long as I have the player I will play him, because he has always shown me commitment, seriousness and professionalism.
"Dzeko is a decisive player and he's the one who scored the most goals for my team. The sooner the transfer market ends, the sooner we will find a Dzeko with more serenity. But for his part his availability is always the same."
Dzeko now has 10 goals in 21 Serie A appearances this season, while also netting three times in six Champions League outings.
Daniel Lewis
