Chelsea duo Cesc Fabregas and Kurt Zouma have started to train with the Blues first-team again - but are not fit to feature against Everton on Saturday (5 November). Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is pleased with the progress the recovering pair have made and expects them to be available after the international break later this month.
Fabregas, 29, is recovering from a thigh problem, while Zouma is still making his recuperating from a cruciate ligament injury suffered last season. Conte confirmed Zouma, 22, will play for Chelseas academy side in the Checkatrade Trophy against Oxford United on Tuesday (8 November).
Conte also revealed he has been happy with John Terrys recovery from the ankle injury he sustained in September. Terry, 35, has largely been relegated to the bench since his comeback, but Conte is pleased with the Chelsea captains fitness.
John Terry is available and is in good form after his injury. He has trained with us for two weeks - I dont see any problem, the Chelsea manager stated ahead of their weekend game against the Toffees, according to the BBC.
Conte also downplayed recent reports suggesting Fabregas was poised to leave Chelsea on loan during the January transfer window. The Spaniard has been a peripheral figure at Stamford Bridge since Contes arrival - but the Italian has complimented the World Cup-winning midfielder. Fabregas is Chelseas player, I am very happy to have him in my squad, Conte said when asked if the Spaniard would leave the club.
Chelsea currently sit fourth in the Premier League, one point behind Pep Guardiolas table-topping Manchester City side. However, they have won all four of their most-recent Premier League fixtures and have not conceded a goal in that time, including a 4-0 drubbing of former manager Jose Mourinhos Manchester United in October.
