Arsenal vs Chelsea: John Terry will miss trip but Antonio Conte hints at Cesc Fabregas start against former club

Terry is still struggling with an ankle injury he suffered against Swansea

Harry Redknapp is keen on bringing John Terry to Swansea with him (Getty Images)

John Terry will miss Chelsea’s trip to north London to face Arsenal on Saturday after failing to recover from an ankle injury, Antonio Conte has confirmed.

The 35-year-old missed last week’s defeat to Liverpool – the first of Conte’s reign – and the midweek EFL Cup game against Leicester City after spraining his ankle during the 2-2 draw away to Swansea.

Terry began training again this week, albeit away from the rest of the squad, but has not recovered in time for the game with the Gunners, meaning Gary Cahill and David Luiz will continue their central defensive partnership.

The Chelsea captain was originally given a recovery time of 10 days but now Conte has admitted he is uncertain when Terry will return to the starting line-up.

“John didn't recover from his injury,” said Conte. “He's working, working, but he didn't recover for the game against Arsenal.

“I don't know (when he will be back). In this case it's important what the player feels, the pain he feels.”

Conte was desperate to bring in new recruits to strengthen his defence this summer and only managed to bring in Luiz and left-back Marcos Alonso on the final day of the transfer window.

However he insisted that despite only keeping one clean sheet this season – against Burnley – the defence is not a problem for his side.

Cesc Fabregas scored twice in extra-time to hand Chelsea victory at Leicester (Getty)

“I think that when we conceded goals, all the team conceded,” said Conte. “Not just the defenders. That means we must improve together to improve the defensive situation.

"The problem was already there last season. Chelsea conceded 53 goals last season. We must work a lot on this aspect. If you want to have a great championship, sure, you can't concede that many goals.”

Conte also hinted at a first start for out-of-favour midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who would come up against his old club Arsenal, after he scored twice in midweek to help the Blues to victory over Leicester in the EFL Cup.

“It’s a special game for him,” Conte added. “But the most important thing for Cesc is that, now, he's a Chelsea player and playing very well for Chelsea.

“I'm seeing him very focused, very concentrated, during the training sessions. He played a good game in the cup.

“It can be the possibility that he can start in the line-up, but I have another day to make a decision. For him, sure, it will be a special game.”