!!!!Chelsea vs Leicester City Team News!!!!!!!!!
Chelsea vs Leicester City
Premier League 2018/19
Date: Saturday, 22 December, 2018
Chelsea are back in Premier League action against Leicester City this weekend after securing passage to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup in midweek.
A late Eden Hazard goal downed Bournemouth at the Bridge on Wednesday night to set up a London derby tie against Tottenham, but Maurizio Sarri‘s men must now focus on their League hopes.
Two defeats in their last five League games may leave the title race a bridge too far this season, but the Blues are only eight points behind leaders Liverpool heading into the festive fixture period.
Leicester have had a disjointed campaign so far with six wins and seven losses, and need a performance after losing their last three matches against Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Manchester City respectively.
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Leicester City team news
Jamie Vardy is set to return for Leicester at Chelsea on Saturday.
The striker was rested for the EFL Cup penalty shootout defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday.
He had returned from a groin injury in the weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace and boss Claude Puel did not want to rush him back to action.
But the former England international and Leicester’s five-goal top scorer should be available for the trip to Stamford Bridge.
“I hope (Vardy) can be fit for this match and can find his qualities,” Puel told a press conference.
“With his quality and his aggressiveness, he is a very good player for us. We need Jamie – with his ability, capacity and character – to give his best.
“Of course, it has been difficult for him with injuries and suspensions this season, but he is a valuable player for us and we need Jamie to be at his best for us.”
Ben Chilwell could also return following his knee injury but Wilfred Ndidi is struggling with his own knee problem
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea have a fairly clean bill of health despite Maurizio Sarri saying that Marcos Alonso and Mateo Kovacic had been struggling for fitness after the recent home win over Fulham. He confirmed at his Friday press conference that everyone is available though, as he evalutes who will start in training ahead of the match.
Eden Hazard has fully recovered after being rested against PAOK, who have both recently missed games due to sustaining knocks.
Team news
Alvaro Morata remains a doubt for Chelsea with a knee injury, while Victor Moses is ruled out.
As for Leicester, Daniel Amartey is out, although Ben Chilwell could return.
