Chelsea Team News: Conte Confirms Injury Boost Ahead Of Man Utd + Willian Update

Chelsea will be looking to keep the pressure on at the top of the table when they take on Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

Ahead of the game, Antonio Conte has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this afternoon and he’s offered reporters a team news and injury update.

The Italian coach has dismissed newspaper reports that John Terry will miss the game this weekend after confirming his skipper is fit and available for selection to face United.

The Sun had reported on Friday morning that Terry had suffered a setback in his recovery from an ankle injury and was unable to train with the rest of the first team squad on Thursday.

The 35-year-old returned to the bench for last weekend’s 3-0 victory over Leicester City after missing over a month with a niggling ankle problem that he suffered against Swansea in mid-September.

However, Conte has now hit back at those reports by confirming that Terry has in fact been training as normal with the squad and is on contention to face Jose Mourinho’s men this weekend.

We’ll have to wait and see whether Terry is recalled to the starting eleven as Chelsea have looked far more solid since switching to a 3-4-3 formation with Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz and Gary Cahill keeping clean sheets during recent wins over Hull and Leicester.

The Italian tactician also gave an update on Willian after the South American attacker missed last weekend’s game on compassionate leave following the death of his mother.

Conte revealed that Willian returned from Brazil on Thursday and has taken part in two training sessions but he’ll make a late decision over his availability to face United on Sunday.

It wasn’t all positive news though as Conte also confirmed that Cesc Fabregas and Branislav Ivanovic remain unavailable due to minor injuries but he hopes to have them back soon.

The Blues boss said:

Antonio Conte reports that John Terry is in good shape and has been training well with the team. His ankle problem is solved. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 21, 2016

Conte confirms JT is available for Sunday game. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 21, 2016

Conte reports Willian came back on Thursday and has had two training sessions. He has yet to decide on his availability. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 21, 2016

Conte says he hopes to have Fabregas and Ivanovic back soon from minor muscle injuries. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 21, 2016