Chelsea: Guus Hiddink aware of contract talks with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Branislav Ivanovic

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has said he is aware of ongoing contract talks with between the club and the duo of Branislav Ivanovic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

The Blues return to Premier League action on Wednesday 13 January against West Bromwhich Albion in a game where they be without Eden Hazard, although Diego Costa is in line to start after his manager revealed a knee injury suffered in the FA Cup victory over Scunthorpe United was not serious.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the match, Hiddink was quizzed on reports that the two will soon be handed new deals. The Evening Standard suggests both players are close to penning new contracts, with Ivanovic's current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

Hiddink told reporters: "Of course I am aware in the sense that the club is talking but furthermore I don't have any announcement as am I'm focusing on the technical part for the near, near future."

Costa was considered a doubt for Wednesday's match after he limped off with a knee problem in the 86<sup>th minute of the club's FA Cup victory over Scunthorpe on Sunday. But Hiddink says the Spain international has responded positively since suffering that knock and is in line to start at Stamford Bridge.

"Costa is okay, he got a contusion on his knee, not inside the joint, thankfully. The day after the weekend game he was eager to come back onto the pitch. He was recovering well and is okay."

Hiddink also confirmed Loic Remy has rejoined the squad in training, but Hazard is still working individually.

"Hazard was on the pitch today with the trainers doing better but still not available. He is not training with the group, he had a setback so we want to have him fit."