Hazard to make Chelsea 3-4-3 for Middlesbrough trip

Manager Antonio Conte has revealed that Cesc Fabregas is also available, but suggested Kurt Zouma needs to build up his match fitness with the Under-23 side before returning to the first team.

Oscar has featured twice as a substitute during this period but his boss offered words of encouragement at a pre-match news conference ahead of Sunday’s trip to Middlesbrough.

Chelsea are high-flying in the Prem, with Eden Hazard in scintillating form, the FC panel assess their title credentials. Costa had a bit of an injury after the game against Everton, and started to train with us on Wednesday.

“His physical condition is good”. It was only a tackle.

Not only has the system finally been able to get the best out of Eden Hazard, Chelsea have also kept five consecutive clean sheets.

The former Juventus chief invited wives and girlfriends (despite the fact John Terry was in attendance) to their Cobham HQ. “Fabregas is in a good shape and is available for Sunday”.

“They’re going to play long balls to find Christian Benteke and we need to avoid all these crosses and long passes as much as possible”.

The Nigeria worldwide has cemented his place in Conte’s starting eleven over the past few weeks and is now one of Chelsea’s key players. “I consider him an important player”. That’s the most important thing.

“This is the first time I’ve won the award, it’s a great honour and I want to share it with my players and the club”, he told the official Chelsea website.

That disappointing result came just four days after City had beaten Barcelona 3-1 to put them on the verge of reaching the Champions League knockout stages. If he can continue on playing this well, Chelsea will certainly remain in the top couple of spots in the table.

“[Oscar?] His future is with Chelsea, full stop”. He’s in good form. He is a great player.

“For me he stays at Chelsea”.

Middlesbrough have earned deserved draws against both Arsenal and Manchester City in the last month and Karanka is relishing another battle with a Premier League title challenger.

Conte was asked about his policy over his players’ free time after Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney apologised this week for “inappropriate” behaviour at the England team hotel last weekend. I think it will be like that.

Middlesbrough could be without three for the visit of Chelsea as James Husband, George Friend and Daniel Ayala are all doubts.