ANTONIO CONTE CONFIRMS JOHN TERRY IS RULED OUT OF ARSENAL GAME WITH INJURY

Chelsea defender John Terry is still not fit enough to face Arsenal on Saturday because of an ankle injury.

Terry limped out of the Liberty stadium on crutches after the 2-2 draw with Swansea on September 11, and missed the 2-1 home defeat by Liverpool on Friday Night Football. 

The club said at the time they expected him to miss 10 days but the trip to north London has come too early for a return for Terry.

Speaking at Friday's press conference, manager Antonio Conte said: "Terry didn't recover for this game. I don't know when he will be back.

"We have three centre backs and it's normal to have to make a choice when you are at a club like Chelsea. It's not a problem."

David Luiz, who deputised in Terry's absence for the Liverpool showdown, is likely to feature at the Emirates Stadium having played alongside Gary Cahill at the centre of defence in Tuesday's EFL Cup win at Leicester.

Fifth-placed Chelsea will be going up against their London rivals who are one place above them, but only because of goal difference. 

Conte added: "This is a big game between two big rivals and it's important to play a good game, especially after our game against Liverpool.

"We face a good team and I'm sure Arsenal will fight until the end to win the title. They are a good team with young players who are a good technical, footballing team.

"I'm sure that we are working to try and improve, and reach a high level in every game. It's normal when you start work with a new team that you need time, but I'm confident about this and we can improve."