Chelsea Team News: Conte Confirms Major Injury Boost Ahead Of Arsenal Clash

Chelsea will be looking to secure a first leg advantage when they take on Arsenal in their Carabao Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

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

The Blues boss confirmed a major injury boost with the news that Eden Hazard has been passed fit and is available for selection against the Gunners tomorrow night.

Hazard missed the FA Cup draw at Norwich City over the weekend due to a minor calf problem but the Belgian international has made a swift recovery and is back in contention for the League Cup clash on Wednesday.

Conte also confirmed Chelsea have no fresh injury problems to deal with after David Luiz made his comeback at the weekend while he also offered an update on the fitness of new signing Ross Barkley.

The midfielder is yet to play this season due to a serious hamstring injury but was back in light training before completing a £15m move from Everton late last week.

Conte says Barkley is in ‘good’ physical condition but the 24-year-old is not yet ready to make his debut for the club as he still needs to work on his fitness and tactical knowledge before he’ll be under consideration.

Conte told Chelseafc.com:

‘Eden is in a good physical condition. He has recovered well from a little problem in his calf. He is ready and is in contention for the game.

‘Nobody else has any problems. Tomorrow night is too soon for Ross [Barkley] but we must be pleased because his physical condition is good and he has started train with us and understand our football.

‘We must be pleased. He needs a bit of time to work on the physical and tactical aspect, but his condition is very good. He is a good guy and he has shown great desire to work and to help us.’

So the Chelsea squad is in excellent health heading in to the Carabao Cup semi-final but their opponents aren’t so fortunate as Arsenal could be without up to eight first team regulars for the game.