
Chelsea
defender John Terry is still not fit enough to face Arsenal on Saturday
because of an ankle injury.
Terry limped out of the Liberty stadium on crutches after the 2-2 draw with
Swansea on September 11, and missed the 2-1 home defeat by Liverpool on
Friday Night Football.
The club said at the time they expected him to miss 10 days but the trip to
north London has come too early for a return for Terry.
Speaking at Friday's press conference, manager Antonio Conte said: "Terry
didn't recover for this game. I don't know when he will be back.
"We have three centre backs and it's normal to have to make a choice when
you are at a club like Chelsea. It's not a problem."
David Luiz, who deputised in Terry's absence for the Liverpool showdown, is
likely to feature at the Emirates Stadium having played alongside Gary
Cahill at the centre of defence in Tuesday's EFL Cup win at Leicester.
Fifth-placed Chelsea will be going up against their London rivals who are
one place above them, but only because of goal difference.
Conte added: "This is a big game between two big rivals and it's important
to play a good game, especially after our game against Liverpool.
"We face a good team and I'm sure Arsenal will fight until the end to win
the title. They are a good team with young players who are a good technical,
footballing team.
"I'm sure that we are working to try and improve, and reach a high level in
every game. It's normal when you start work with a new team that you need
time, but I'm confident about this and we can improve."