Chelsea have received two huge boosts ahead of Sunday’s Premier League game at the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Guus Hiddink confirmed that Eden Hazard and Diego Costa will be available to face Arsenal. The champions find themselves just four points above the relegation zone but will be confident travelling to north London with two key men in the squad.
Eden Hazard has only completed 90 minutes once since the 5th December and has sat out Chelsea’s last three games due to injury, but Hiddink said the winger – who was crowned the best player in the Premier League last season – has been back in full training.
Guus Hiddink says Eden Hazard has trained fully the last few days and is available for selection for Sunday. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 22, 2016
Unlike Hazard, striker Diego Costa has not trained fully this week but will be available for selection anyway. The Spaniard scored against Everton last weekend before being subbed off with 10 minutes to play. Scans revealed a bruised tibia, but that won’t stop him taking part this weekend.
Hiddink says Diego Costa hasn’t been able to train much this week but is also available for selection. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 22, 2016
Arsenal will be hoping to avoid the farce and controversy of the clash in September, which saw Costa get Gabriel red carded. The striker somehow remained on the pitch himself despite twice hitting Laurent Koscielny in the face, an offence he was retrospectively banned for.
Good news for the Gunners is that Mesut Özil is back after missing last week’s draw with Stoke City and Alexis Sánchez, who hasn’t played since November, could feature.