Chelsea pay a visit to 15th placed Middlesbrough in a tricky encounter on Sunday. In a major boost for Antonio Conte’s men, both Eden Hazard and Diego Costa have been passed fit for the clash.
Chelsea were sweating over the fitness of star players Diego Costa and Eden Hazard after the duo picked up injuries during the international break. However, both have been reported fit for the game this weekend.
Diego Costa had to be withdrawn from Spain’s squad with a groin injury, but the in-form striker has recovered and is raring to play again on Sunday. Meanwhile, October’s Premier League Player of the Month Eden Hazard is also back fit and ready to start on Sunday after having picked up a knock during Belgium’s 8-1 thrashing of Estonia.
‘‘Costa had a bit of an injury after the Everton game, he started to train with us on Wednesday and his physical condition is good,” Conte is quoted as saying by the club website. “We still have tomorrow to look but at the moment he can play. Eden also recovered very well.”
Cesc Fabregas has been sidelined with a thigh injury since mid-October, but the Chelsea boss claimed the Spanish midfielder is back in good shape and is very close to a return. The player could be in contention for a place on the bench.
In some very positive news for the Chelsea supporters, Conte also confirmed that Kurt Zouma has been training normally with the first team squad. However, the Frenchman will continue to play for the U23s for now in a bid to fully recover from his long injury absence. The centre-back will not be part of the squad this weekend.
“I’m happy to have the availability of all my central defenders, it’s important Kurt is with us,” added Conte.
The Italian head-coach will have the luxury to select his best possible playing XI after he confirmed that the Blues have no fresh injury concerns ahead of their clash with Middlesbrough.