Chelsea
Chelsea Team News: Conte Confirms Boost But Midfielder Ruled Out + Terry Update
Antonio Conte has confirmed an injury boost ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Southampton but a midfielder has been ruled out plus there’s an update on John Terry.
Chelsea will be looking to keep the pressure on at the top of the Premier League when they take on Southampton at St Mary’s 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 Blues boss was pleased to confirm that Branislav Ivanovic is back in contention after recovering from a muscle injury that’s kept him out since the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal last month.
After missing the last five games in all competitions, the Serbian international resumed full training earlier this month and Conte has now confirmed that Ivanovic is available for Sunday’s trip to the south coast.
However, there wasn’t such positive news on Cesc Fabregas as the Chelsea coach revealed that the Spanish international is still on the sidelines nursing a thigh injury that’s kept him out of action this month.
Fabregas has struggled to establish himself in Conte’s regular starting eleven this season so he’ll be frustrated that he’s not available to try and force his way back in to the Italian’s plans against Southampton this weekend.
Conte also gave an update on John Terry after the Chelsea skipper made a successful return to action during Wednesday night’s EFL Cup defeat to West Ham United.
Terry had been out for over five weeks with an ankle injury that he sustained in mid-September and although he wasn’t at his best against the Hammers in midweek, Conte says it will take time for the 35-year-old to rediscover his best form.
Conte says the situation for the injured players is the same. Fabregas remains out but Ivanovic is available. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 28, 2016
Conte: 'John came back from an injury and it's not easy to find the right shape, but I'm satisfied with him and the team.' #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 28, 2016
Conte: 'John is an important player for us, if he plays or if he doesn't play, for the changing room and the club.' #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 28, 2016
