Chelsea take on Middlesbrough this Sunday, at the Riverside stadium, as they look to continue their imperious form after the international break.
Chelsea currently sit second in the table and will be hoping that a win can see them leapfrog Liverpool into first position. Middlesbrough, on the other hand, are just one point from safety in 15th position, but a late draw away at Manchester City has left them on high coming into Sunday’s fixture with the Blues.
Chelsea will be anxiously awaiting the news as to the extent of the injuries star men Diego Costa and Eden Hazard picked up on international duty, with both facing a fight against time to be fit for the game.
Cesc Fabregas is back in contention for a spot, having returned to training after a lengthy thigh injury. While fringe players Mikel John Obi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are both doubts.
Middlesbrough’s only injury worry is centre-back Daniel Ayala, who is yet to fully recover from an ankle injury he suffered before the international break.
Chelsea have been victorious over Middlesbrough in the past six meetings between the two clubs, with their last defeat coming way back in August 2006. Chelsea’s most recent win saw them progress to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup courtesy of two second-half goals from Victor Moses and Brazilian workhorse Ramires.
