Antonio Conte has made clear that Branislav Ivanovic is available for selection for the upcoming game against Southampton while Cesc Fabregas and Kurt Zouma are not. Although Zouma will not be making an appearance for Chelsea in this upcoming English Premier League game, he did play for the Chelsea Under-23 team earlier in the week.
(Editor’s Note: the following Chelsea FC starting XI prediction is by Caleb Thompson, here’s the link his Chelsea FC starting XI prediction)
After the game, Zouma posted a picture with the caption “Step by step”, implying that his injury recovery is going well. It was intended to send a positive message.
Branislav Ivanovic is back in contention for selection this week, coming back from a dislocated shoulder. Although saying that, being back does not guarantee Ivanovic a starting spot. With the defenders likely to start in the side being David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilcueta. Although if the defense options don’t impress against Southampton, Ivanovic could make his way back into the starting lineup.
The third player to suffer a fitness setback is Cesc Fabregas. He is expected to return from the thigh injury on the 5th of November.
He will be ready to okay, but Antonio Conte always wants players on the the pitch who are not just healthy enough, but fit enough and the next few weeks will be a crucial test for Fabregas.