John Terry back for Chelsea clash with Leicester, says Antonio Conte
Thursday 31 October 2019 14:23, UK
John Terry will be available for Chelsea's match with Leicester on Saturday, according to head coach Antonio Conte.
The Blues skipper has been out since leaving the Liberty Stadium on crutches after the 2-2 draw with Swansea on September 11 but returned to training this week.
Terry suffered strained ligaments in his foot late on in that game and missed Premier League fixtures against Liverpool, Arsenal and Hull, but Conte says he is available to face the champions, live on Sky Sports 1HD.
"Yes, he's available. He came back with a training session in the middle of the week," Conte said.
"He's recovered from the injury. I prefer I don't give away the line-up today. I'll try to take the best decision for the team."
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However, the Italian did drop a hint that he will continue with a back three, with David Luiz and Gary Cahill likely to continue and Branislav Ivanovic expected to miss out.
"Now I have four central defenders and I have to take the decision for three. One must go on the bench," he said.
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Brazilian midfielder Willian will miss the game at Stamford Bridge after being granted compassionate leave following the passing of his mother.
"For Willian we are very sad because we knew the problem with his mum," Conte said.
"We are very sad, we are very close to our player. Our prayers are with him and his family."
Striker Diego Costa is one yellow card away from a suspension and a booking against Leicester would rule him out of the United clash.
Conte said: "Diego knows this situation. This situation was also before the Hull game and I think we must think to the present and not to look [ahead].
"Tomorrow he must fight in the same way, like in the previous games. I hope he pays attention and doesn't take another yellow card."
Striker Michy Batshuayi would be the likely replacement for Costa, with Conte adding: "Michy is a young player, but with great potential. Also, he's ready to play from the start."
