Chelsea injury news: Branislav Ivanovic opens door for Blues first team return against Norwich

Chelsea have been handed an injury boost as Branislav Ivanovic is fit to face Norwich City at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League clash on Saturday. The defender returned to action in Serbia's 4-1 defeat to the Czech Republic during the international friendly fixtures on 13 November.

The 31-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during Serbia's victory over Albania in the European championship qualifier. In his absence, Jose Mourinho deployed Kurt Zouma in the right-back position.

Ivanovic is in contention for a place in the starting lineup when the Premier League champions host Norwich, after featuring for his national side during the international break. The Serbian remains hopeful he can be at the top after returning from a spell on the sidelines.

"I'm working hard to get my fitness back and I hope I'm going to be at the level I have to be after my injury," Ivanovic told the Evening Standard.

Chelsea have struggled since the start of the 2015/16 season. After 12 matches, the west London club managed only three wins and as a result of that, Mourinho's side sit 16<sup>th in the league table with 11 points.

Ivanovic said Chelsea failed to react after winning the title comfortably last season. The reason for the Blues' slump is down to the players at Stamford Bridge, according to the full-back.

"We didn't react well after winning the League trophy last season. The only way to get out of this situation is to win, win and win again," the Chelsea defender stressed.

"No one has seen anything strange in the team. I don't think any footballer wants to lose a game. It doesn't matter the situation around you, your job is to win, your passion is winning games.

"I think all of the Chelsea players approach the game like that. The players are very honest with each other. We speak a lot, even during the training sessions we try to help and explain things to each other.

"Even when someone criticises another one, it is positive. That is important, there is nothing negative. This is a normal situation."