Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has admitted that former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas could be in line for a start against the Gunners in the Premier League this weekend.
The Spaniard was a former fans favourite with the Emirates Stadium faithful but opted to return to boyhood club, before doing the unthinkable and signing for the Blues.
Fabregas was initially a driving force behind Chelsea’s success but the playmaker has suffered from a dramatic dip in form over the last 18 months.
With the midfielder being omitted from Conte’s starting XI in the Premier League this season, he was afforded a chance to play against Leicester City in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.
Fabregas netted twice to send a statement to his manager in a 4-2 win and will now be pushing for inclusion against Arsenal in the mouth-watering clash at the Emirates Stadium this weekend.
Conte has stated that the Spain international has helped his chances of playing against the Gunners with his performance at the Kind Power Stadium.
“I am pleased for Cesc because he played a good game,” West London Sport quote the Italian as saying.
“I am pleased for him because he showed me in this period a great attitude in training and when I’ve called on him to come on during games.
“All the players in my squad have the possibility to play against Arsenal.
“There are three days before the game and they have the opportunity to show me during the training sessions – to convince me to put them in.
“I want my players to create good competition and game-by-game give me the opportunity to choose the best line-up.”
