John Terry is set to return this weekend as Chelsea look to rebound from the devastating Arsenal loss. His presence is greatly needed by the Blues.
Chelsea have been handed a boost as they prepare for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Hull City. Captain John Terry is set to be available for the game having recovered from the ankle injury that has kept him out of the last three matches.
The Evening Standard reports that the defender will be at Antonio Conte’s disposal this weekend. Following two losses against Liverpool and Arsenal (the latter being a humiliation), Chelsea fans will breathe a collective sigh of relief at this news.
The Blues defence has been an absolute shambles since Terry was hurt. In fact, it was not particularly resolute when he was in the team either. However, his presence certainly adds some degree of stability at the back.
Liverpool took Chelsea apart during the first half of their 2-1 victory. Moreover, Jurgen Klopp’s men could have easily scored more goals had they been ruthless in front of the net. Against Leicester, even though Chelsea came out on top, the two goals they conceded were embarrassing.
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In the London derby, Arsenal walked through the team, scoring three times with incredible comfort. Again, they could have easily made the scoreline more humiliating.
Gary Cahill and David Luiz have simply failed to cope. The duo have genuinely looked lost at sea, while the clueless Branislav Ivanovic has done little but exacerbate the issue. Cesar Azpilicueta has been flying the flag for some semblance of defending, but even he has been sucked into their vortex of mediocrity.
It is shameful to admit, but Chelsea are still reliant on John Terry. They are still reliant on a 35-year-old.
However, having again refused to recruit appropriately during the summer transfer window, there is little that can be done about it. Terry is the main man in defence and he will be at least until February. With that in mind, there is nothing that Antonio Conte can do but embrace it.
Terry should immediately return to the starting line-up and will likely take a place in a back three. The boss experimented with this in the latter stages of the Arsenal game and has confirmed that such a set-up is the future of the club.
Chelsea still looked fragile with Ivanovic, Luiz and Cahill comprising the trio. However, Terry will hopefully bring some vital organisation to the defence upon his return.