Chelsea boss Antonio Conte ready to recall Cesc Fabregas against Arsenal as captain John Terry is ruled out of London derby

FABREGAS

Antonio Conte has hinted he is ready to hand Cesc Fabregas his first Premier League start of the season against former club Arsenal on Saturday.

The Spain international has made just three substitute appearances in the league since Conte's arrival, leading to speculation that his time at Stamford Bridge is drawing to close.

Fabregas started in the EFL Cup win over Leicester on Tuesday, scoring twice to help his team overturn a 2-0 deficit.

Conte admits the clash against Arsenal will be 'special' for Fabregas given his links to the Emirates.

And the Italian manager says the former Gunner is ready to start his first top-flight game under him.

'For Cesc, that's for sure, it's a special game for him,' said Conte.

'But the most important thing for Cesc is that, now, he's a Chelsea player and playing very well for Chelsea. I'm seeing him very focused, very concentrated, during the training sessions.

'He played a good game in the EFL Cup. It can be the possibility that he can start in the lineup, but I have another day to make a decision.

'For him, sure, it will be a special game.'

Meanwhile, Conte says skipper John Terry will not be fit for the visit to the Emirates on Saturday.

Terry is making good progress in his recovery from an ankle injury and Chelsea were hopeful he would return for the London derby.

But Conte said: 'John didn't recover from his injury. He's working, working, but he didn't recover for the game against Arsenal.

'I don't know (when he will be back). In this case it's important what the player feels, the pain he feels.'

Kurt Zouma, however, is set for a first team return after recovering from a long term knee injury.

The defender has been out since February but Conte is hopeful Zouma will return to Cobham imminently ahead of a return to playing action. 

'Zouma, I hope to see him in the training sessions next week,' he added.

'He's in good shape and I hope to see him next week in training, to start counting on him.

'Possibly, yes. Possibly. Probably, yes. We will wait one week more, yes. Good.'