John Terry will return to Chelsea squad for Hull City clash

John Terry has handed Chelsea a massive boost ahead of their game against Hull City on Saturday (1 October). The Blues skipper has missed the last three games, which included two in the Premier League, against Liverpool and Arsenal, both of which Antonio Conte's team lost.

According to the Mirror, the defender expected to return to the starting lineup following his recovery from an ankle injury. The 35-year-old turned his ankle during the latter stages of Chelsea's 2-2 draw against Swansea City on 11 September. The defender left the stadium on crutches and has been unable to take part in any game thus far, which also included a win over Leicester City in the EFL Cup.

Terry returned to training ahead of the game against Arsenal, but was deemed not fit enough to travel by Antonio Conte. His return will come as a massive boost to the Italian manager, who has seen his defence struggle in their captain's absence.

Chelsea conceded five goals in their losses against the Gunners and Liverpool, while conceding a further two during their win over the Foxes. Garry Cahill is likely to make way for the skipper when they visit the KCOM Stadium on Saturday, unless Conte reverts to his preferred three-man defence tactic with Cezar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso playing as wingbacks.

Terry was poised to leave the club this summer, after the club initially refused to extend the Blues legend's deal, which was set to expire. The former England international was keen to stay and the club overturned their decision and handed the defender a one-year deal.

Meanwhile, teammate John Obi Mikel believes that Conte played a massive role in convincing the club to retain their skipper, while he also credited the supporters and other players for getting behind Terry.

"I think Conte played a big part in that contract that JT got," Mikel told Goal.com.

"I think if JT said no, then obviously I don't think the club would have done that, but I think the fans as well got right behind JT and the fans really wanted him to stay.

"He is the leader, he is the captain and the fans really think with JT we have a better chance of winning the trophy again. I think everyone came together the fans, Antonio and the board did a massive job to make sure that John stays," he added.