Chelsea Team News: Conte Confirms Double Injury Boost

Chelsea will be looking to continue their excellent form when they take on Everton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.

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

The Blues boss was pleased to confirm a double injury boost with the news that Kurt Zouma and Cesc Fabregas are edging their way back to full fitness and will be available for selection after the international break.

Zouma has been on the sidelines since suffering knee ligament damage against Manchester United back in February of last season but has been working his way back to full fitness in recent weeks.

The French international has been playing for the under-23’s recently and Conte has revealed Zouma will once again turn out for the youngsters in their Checktrade Trophy game against Oxford next week but will then be in contention to make his first team return.

Fabregas has been out since the 3-0 defeat at Arsenal last month after suffering a thigh injury but the Spaniard has returned to full training with the first team this week and will also be available after the international break.

Conte told the clubs website:

‘This week Cesc Fabregas and Kurt Zouma started to train with the team,’

‘It’s normal when you start playing after a long period of rest you need to find the best form and shape, and after the international break I think they will be available for selection.

‘I’m pleased for Cesc, he is important for us, and also for Kurt. He played two games with the Under-23s and he will play another game on Tuesday with them. His recovery is very good and we are satisfied with this. Now we hope he can stay with us for the rest of the season.’

It means that unless they suffer any setbacks over the next two weeks, Zouma and Fabregas will be in contention for the trip to Middlesbrough later this month before crucial games against Tottenham and Man City.