John Terry will be restored to the Chelsea starting line-up for this week’s Capital One Cup clash at Walsall.
The skipper was benched for Saturday’s 2-0 London derby win over Arsenal and also missed out as the Blues cruised to victory in the Champions League against Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho explained Terry’s omission for the Gunners triumph was due to a lack of pace and instead opted to field Kurt Zouma at Stamford Bridge to counter Theo Walcott’s speed.
However, the 34-year-old will be thrown back into the side for the third round tie at the Bescot Stadium as Mourinho prepares to make wholesale changes as the club begin the defence of their crown.
Chelsea's 2-0 win over Arsenal in pictures:
Radamel Falcao will also return to the starting XI with Diego Costa dropping down to the bench.
Terry is out of contract at the end of the season and came into this campaign on the back of one of a stunning 2014-15 that saw him win rave reviews for his performances at the back.
But his days look increasingly numbered in west London and Mourinho could revive his interest in Everton defender John Stones when the transfer window re-opens in January.
Chelsea had four bids turned down by the Toffees in the summer but Stones expressed a desire to join the Premier League champions and may push for a move again this winter.
Meanwhile, Costa and Chelsea can today expect to discover from the Football Association if the striker has a case to answer for his role in Saturday's feisty victory over Arsenal.
