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Chelsea vs Southampton: John Terry set to return to starting line-up and bolster Jose Mourinho's defence

The club captain has not started in the league since the 3-1 defeat to Everton

Friday 02 October 2015 11:28 BST

Terry was a mainstay in last season's title-winning side (Getty Images)

John Terry will return to Chelsea's starting line-up for Saturday's meeting with Southampton, according to reports.

The club captain has not started in a league or European game since Jose Mourinho's side fell to a 3-1 defeat against Everton last month.

However, the Blues' form has not significantly improved since Terry was replaced in the side by youngster Kurt Zouma. Now, according to the Mail, it seems he will return with the hope of shoring up a shaky defence.

Porto 2 Chelsea 1 player ratings

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1/11Porto 2 Chelsea 1 player ratings

Porto 2 Chelsea 1 player ratings

Asmir Begovic: 8 out of 10

Was Chelsea’s best player on the pitch. The goalkeeper made several reflex saves to deny the likes of Aboubakar and Brahimi throughout the game and, despite his one-handed stop to keep out Brahimi’s first-half effort, he could do nothing to stop Andre opening the scoring.

Porto 2 Chelsea 1 player ratings

Branislav Ivanovic: 4 out of 10

After failing to clear an early Porto effort, the full-back – acting as captain in John Terry’s absence – allowed Brahimi to dribble past him all too easily seconds before the opener. Although he made a vital block to deny the Porto midfielder in the second half, Ivanovic should have equalised but headed Willian’s corner wide. Another under-par performance from the right-back.

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Porto 2 Chelsea 1 player ratings

Gary Cahill: 4 out of 10

Failed to shepherd his back line well enough during the set piece that Maicon made it 2-1 from, and should have done better to mark the Porto defender at the same time. Was often dragged out of position and didn’t show the leadership skills that were sorely needed to control the likes of Aboubakar.

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Porto 2 Chelsea 1 player ratings

Kurt Zouma: 5 out of 10

Failed to put in the strong and dominating displays he has shown in the past and looked uncomfortable as he and Cahill were too often run past by Aboubakar and Brahimi. Communication between the pair is appearing to be an issue.

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Porto 2 Chelsea 1 player ratings

Cesar Azpilicueta: 6 out of 10

Defended well early on and literally put his body on the line to keep out an early shot, but did not see Andre advancing for the opener. Was then shown a yellow card for pulling the Porto winger back and began to lose the battle to control him in the second half.

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Porto 2 Chelsea 1 player ratings

John Obi Mikel: 5 out of 10

Looked good in the early stages of the game, but failed to really control Brahimi in the middle of the park, which led to the Porto man running riot and being involved in the opening goal. Was replaced by Hazard in the second half.

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Porto 2 Chelsea 1 player ratings

Cesc Fabregas: 4 out of 10

Tested Casillas with a long-range shot in the sixth minute that proved to be one of Chelsea’s best chances early on, but the Spaniard failed to once again impress when needed to create attacks.

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Porto 2 Chelsea 1 player ratings

Ramires: 6 out of 10

Was deployed on the right and his inclusion in the starting XI paid off when the Brazilian won the free-kick that Willian scored from. However, he was later out-muscled by Maicon, which allowed the Porto captain to seal the win. Was taken off in the 70th minute for Hazard.

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Porto 2 Chelsea 1 player ratings

Willian: 8 out of 10

Worked hard in midfield and, on more than one occasion, the Brazilian tracked back to help defend. He capped off a good display with a brilliant free-kick that restored parity for the visitors.

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Porto 2 Chelsea 1 player ratings

Pedro: 4 out of 10

Mourinho started the Spain international on the left after utilising him on the right following his summer move to the club and, aside from his powerful shot that Casillas saved in the 13th minute, Pedro disappointed. He failed to provide the service that Costa desperately needed and was taken off in the second half.

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Porto 2 Chelsea 1 player ratings

Diego Costa: 6 out of 10

Despite missing Chelsea’s last two games, the striker was lively and got past Maxi Pereira time and time again in the first period. He was unlucky not to have scored when his powerful curling shot hit the bar in the second half, but the main issue for Costa was that he was left isolated too often – which forced him to drop deep to find the ball. Should have been awarded a penalty when his shot ricocheted off Marcano’s arm in the area with minutes of the game left.

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The club's dismal start to the season continued on Tuesday night with a 2-1 loss to Mourinho's former employers Porto in the Champions League.

During the post-match warm down, Terry, who was unused substitute, was greeted by the away fans with chants of 'we want our captain back', which he duly acknowledged.

Terry played every minute of last year's title-winning league campaign as part of a solid backline.

He has vowed to win his place back ever since finding himself on the bench and now looks likely to regain his place in the Premier League's second-most porous defence.

Several other high-profile players have found their starting berths under threat from Mourinho.

Nemanja Matic and Eden Hazard were left out of the side on Tuesday night, while Radamel Falcao, Loic Remy and Oscar did not even make the matchday sqaud.

The positions of vice-captain Branislav Ivanovic and Cesc Fabregas have also been under scrutiny, with their POrtuguese boss threatening the "play the kids" if his first-team regulars do not turn their form around soon.

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