Wednesday 14 December 2016 11:55, UK
Chelsea midfielder Willian insists he is ready for a first Premier League start since the passing of his mother.
The 28-year-old was granted compassionate leave to return to Brazil in October, missing the 3-0 win over Leicester, and he has not started a Premier League match since.
Chelsea are on a nine-game winning run and Willian has had to settle for making an impact as a substitute instead, coming off the bench to put his side 2-1 up in their 3-1 win against Manchester City earlier this month.
Willian says manager Antonio Conte has been helping him stay confident since his bereavement and he is ready to keep helping the team on their formidable run.
"The manager changed the team because I was in a difficult moment. I lost my mum and I had to stay in Brazil for a few days," he said.
"I missed some games and the team started to win and play well. Pedro came in and he did very well.
"But the manager talked to me and told me to stay concentrated, to work hard in training and when I come into the game to try to do my best. I feel more fresh and good to come back in the team.
"He gives me confidence to get back in the team and train hard to play well. I am happy because I came in and helped my team-mates to win that game (against Man City).
"Sometimes the game is asking to change some things, to put in another player and change the system. The players on the bench have to be focused because, when you go in, you have to do something different."
Chelsea will be hoping to continue their winning run away to bottom club Sunderland on Wednesday night before facing Crystal Palace on Saturday lunchtime, live on Sky Sports.
Conte has masterminded the Blues' climb to the top of the Premier League and Willian believes their last defeat - a 3-0 mauling at Arsenal on September 24 - was pivotal before the Italian switched formations to 3-4-3.
"That moment against Arsenal was difficult because we lost and we started to think 'what do we have to do, what's going on'," Willian said.
"We changed the system and that helped our football a lot. Our players feel fresher and fitter to play. Conte has brought a lot of physical stuff to the team. He likes to work hard on the pitch and every day he wants to improve.
"He is doing a great job for Chelsea. It's his first year and now we are top of the league. We have to keep going."
Watch Chelsea against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports 1 HD at 11:30am.
Watch Gillette Soccer Special on SkySports.com for free, or tune in on Sky Sports 2 or SSNHQ from 7.30pm on Wednesday
