The Spain global 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.
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The former Arsenal and Barcelona man has only played 32 minutes of Premier League football this season, but was in action in Tuesday’s EFL Cup win over Leicester City.
Antonio Conte’s side are eight points behind Pep Guardiola’s electric Manchester City and have dropped to eighth, but it is the performances on the pitch, rather than the points gap, which proves that the title is nothing but a dream this season.
“It is a big game between two big rivals and it is important to play a good game”.
Fabregas can expect a hostile reception from the majority of the Emirates faithful having returned to England to join one of their bitter rivals, but he will have a crucial role to play in silencing them this weekend.
The Spaniard went on to make over 300 appearances for Arsenal before returning to boyhood club Barcelona in 2011, with Chelsea then bringing him back to London two years ago. Nevertheless, the Gunners remain a special club for him.
The Italian tactician was able to confirm that John Terry will not be fit to feature against Arsenal on Saturday.
Alexis Sanchez continues through the middle, but Olivier Giroud has recovered from a toe injury and takes his place on the substitutes’ bench. I don’t know [when he will be back]. I don’t know [when he will be back] but, in this case, it’s important what the player feels, and he feels pain. The centre-half will hope to be contention for a first-team return after the worldwide window. I’m doing my best to convince Conte and ensure that I can stay here.
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“I hope to see him [Zouma] in the training session next week”.
