PREMIERSHIP BRIEFS
Conte unsure over Terry’s future
Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte is unsure what the future holds for John Terry at the club. Terry, 36, was sent off during the second half of his team’s 4-1 win over Peterborough United in the FA Cup on Sunday. The club captain, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has made just eight appearances in all competitions. Asked about Terry’s future, Conte said that still needed to be discussed.
Coutinho set for Liverpool return
Philippe Coutinho is set to return to Liverpool’s squad for the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final against Southampton. Liverpool travel to St Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday and should be able to call upon the attacking midfielder for the first time since November 26, when he suffered an ankle injury in the home Premier League win over Sunderland. Manager Jurgen Klopp who made 10 changes for the 0-0 FA Cup third-round draw at home to Plymouth Argyle on Sunday insists it will be a full strength team against the Saints, with his side only one tie from Wembley.
Hazard: I was like a ghost last season!
Eden Hazard has admitted he was “like a ghost” during Chelsea’s dismal campaign in 2015-16. The Belgium international won the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year and was named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year after inspiring Jose Mourinho’s side to the title two seasons ago. Hazard’s performance level then dipped markedly last term, however, the 26-year-old has recaptured some of his best form in Antonio Conte’s table-topping side and he is determined to re-establish his place as the leading light in the division.
Bailly wants Lindelof at Man Utd
Manchester United defender Eric Bailly wants to play with Victor Lindelof as the Benfica man seemingly nears a move to Old Trafford. Lindelof, 22, is reportedly set to join United despite manager Jose Mourinho having ruled out signing a defender in January. Bailly, away on international duty with Ivory Coast, said he would happily welcome Lindelof to United. Although it would add competition for a place in United’s defence, Bailly said it would boost his team – and he believes his partnership with Lindelof would be strong.
