Arsenal vs. Chelsea: Antonio Conte’s Key Pre-Match Press Conference Comments

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte acknowledged that Saturday’s clash with Arsenal will be a “special” game for Cesc Fabregas but did not confirm whether the Spaniard would make the starting XI.  

Per the Mirror’s Jack Rathborn, he said:

I think that for Cesc, it is a special game for him. The most important thing for Cesc is that he is Chelsea’s player. He’s playing very well.

I am seeing him very focused and concentrated during the training sessions. He played a good game in the cup.

There is a possibility that he can start tomorrow in the line-up. I have another day to make the decision.

The midfielder scored twice and provided an assist for the Blues against Leicester City on Tuesday in just his second start of the season.

Fabregas joined Arsenal at the age of 16 and spent eight years there before returning to boyhood club Barcelona.

Following his brace against the Foxes, he has spoken of his desire to break back into the side and the significance of the Arsenal match.

Conte is also well aware of the rivalry between the two clubs and Chelsea’s need to bounce back after defeat in their last Premier League outing:

It’s important to play a good game, especially after Liverpool. Tomorrow we face a good team, a big rival. I am sure Arsenal will fight until the end to win the title.

It’s a very good team, young players, great technique, good players with good potential and physicality. They play good football.

The Blues sit on the same points as Arsenal after five matches, and the Gunners enter the game on the back of …

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