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Chelsea: Terry injury latest; next Yaya Toure wanted; West Ham want Fabregas
After being forced to miss this weekend’s trip to the Emirates, the have provided an update on the fitness of captain John Terry, with his absence made very clear as both Gary Cahill and David Luiz were run ragged by Arsenal in their convincing victory over the Blues at the weekend. Antonio Conte told the media:
John didn’t recover from his injury, he’s working but didn’t recover for the game against Arsenal… In this case it’s important what the player feels, and he feels pain.
Conte was keen to make it clear that Terry’s absence is not a problem, and this his squad are prepared for such a scenario, saying:
In the team and the squad we have three central defender. It’s normal to make a choice. I don’t see any problem in this situation… When we concede goals, all the team conceded, not just the defenders. That means we must improve together to improve the defensive situation. The problem was already there last season, Chelsea conceded 53 goals last season.
What is undeniable is that the return of Terry will provide a boost for the Blues, with him expected to return ahead of Saturday’s trip to Hull City, but there is also a boost as French defender Kurt Zouma will rejoin first team training this week after missing several months with a knee injury.
Antonio Conte is also said to be keeping an eye on Serie A despite now managing in the Premier League, as claim that Atlanta midfielder Franck Kessie is being watched by Chelsea, alongside Arsenal and Manchester United. Labelled “the next Yaya Toure”, the Ivory Coast international has been in superb form this season, scoring five goals in six games to date from a holding midfield position. The 19-year-old’s driving runs through midfield draw clear parallels to the Manchester City star, and he could soon be heading the same way.
Kessie is said to prefer a move to Manchester United, but Antonio Conte believes that his knowledge of his progress in Italy may help to give the Blues a slight advantage if it does resort in a bidding war for the midfielder, who could be a replacement for John Obi Mikel, who looks set to leave this season.
He could also replace Cesc Fabregas according to the , who report that West Ham United are monitoring the Spaniard’s situation at Stamford Bridge as he was hauled off by Conte not long after half time in his first Premier League start of the season at the Emirates as he faced his old club. Fabregas is believed to be an expensive gamble to help rescue the Hammers season after a poor start and are hoping to persuade the Spaniard that a move would benefit him with guaranteed first team football.
Given that Fabregas is desperate for a move to Real Madrid according to some reports, and there is interest from AC Milan, the Irons may struggle to persuade the World Cup winner to join the London Stadium outfit, but the Blues will be pleased that there are a number of suitors should Conte decide to cash in.
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