John Terry is set to make his long-awaited return from injury against West Ham on Tuesday night.
But Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is continuing his search for a Terry's long-term replacement at centre back after instructing his scouts to make close checks on fit-again Roma defender Antonio Rudiger.
Blues skipper Terry has missed over a month with an ankle injury sustained in the 2-2 draw at Swansea.
John Terry is set to return to action for Chelsea against West Ham in the EFL Cup on Tuesday
Terry has been out of action for over a month after injuring his ankle against Swansea
Antonio Conte is lining up Roma defender Antonio Rudiger to replace the Chelsea captain
But the 35-year-old is set to feature in the EFL clash against fierce London rivals West Ham at the London Stadium.
Terry's return comes as a key boost to Conte as he looks to build on an impressive run of three consecutive victories – including the 4-0 demolition of Manchester United on Sunday.
Those wins have also included three consecutive clean sheets and Conte may be reluctant to make significant changes to his back five.
Nevertheless, fit-again Terry will come into contention for a recall after recovering from injury.
Meanwhile, the Blues are showing a concrete interest in Germany international Rudiger.
Chelsea boss Conte is keen to bolster his defensive options in the January transfer window
The 23-year-old is fit again after recovering from the serious knee injury that ruled him out of Euro 2016 – scoring and assisting in Roma reserves' win over Novara on Saturday.
Conte is a huge admirer of Rudiger from his time in Italy and is exploring a potential move for the former Stuttgart man – who is widely recognised as one of the best emerging defenders in Europe.
Chelsea, though, are not alone in their interest with both Manchester clubs believed to have registered an interest in the central defender, United understood to be particularly keen.
Roma are reluctant to lose Rudiger but an offer of £35million or above could persuade the Italians to sell.
Roma are keen to keep Rudiger but an offer of £35million or above could persuade them to sell
No comments: