John Terry is reportedly set for a return to the Chelsea side for their game against West Ham United on Saturday, following a five-week lay-off with a hamstring injury.
The 35-year-old has missed the Blues’ last seven fixtures in all competitions after limping off in the first half of their 5-1 victory over Newcastle United in February.
After coming on as a late substitute against Everton in the FA Cup last week, Terry could now return to the starting XI alongside Gary Cahill, according to the Guardian.
Chelsea’s record without their talisman has been mixed as they have won three, lost three and drawn one, and Guus Hiddink will no doubt be delighted to be able to call upon his leader once again.
Terry’s remaining games in a Chelsea shirt appear to numbered, of course, as his £150,000-per-week contract (via the Daily Mail) will expire this summer.
Elsewhere, Bertrand Traore is set to lead the line again in the absence of Diego Costa, who is serving the first of his two-game suspension following his red card against Everton.
The emergence of Traore, 20, has been one of the major positives during Hiddink’s spell in charge, as the Burkina Faso forward has scored twice in his last three Premier League appearances, converting 66.7% of his chances.
Hiddink is also expected to retain John Obi Mikel alongside Cesc Fabregas in central midfield which means Nemanja Matic once more misses out.
Oscar is set to replace Blues No.10 Eden Hazard, who is injured. Willian and Pedro will occupy the other two attacking midfield positions.
Alexandre Pato, who is yet to play for the club, is doubtful due to a lack of fitness while Radamel Falcao and Kurt Zouma are also still sidelined.
Here is the full XI, as reported by the Guardian
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