DENIS ZAKARIA has provided a positive injury update ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday.
The forgotten man finally announced himself at Stamford Bridge by scoring in the Blues’ Champions League dead rubber against Dinamo Zagreb last night.
The goal came on his belated debut as the deadline day loan signing finally made his first appearance for Chelsea after two months of waiting.
The only downside of his evening was when he appeared to be substituted off with a knock and was replaced by Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
But the midfielder has told fans he is fine as he shared his delight with getting on the pitch and the scoresheet.
The Swiss international said on Instagram: “Can‘t tell you how happy I am about my debut & my first goal for @chelseafc!
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“Thank you so much for all the amazing support and your messages.
“And for everyone who’s asking – I‘m fine and ready for the next mission.”
Zakaria and his team-mates had their work cut out for them last night after falling behind due to Bruno Petkovic’s surprise early goal.
Quick feet and some shambolic Dinamo defending allowed Sterling to steer the equaliser in 10 minutes later.
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Before Zakaria arrived just in time in the box to score the second from Mason Mount’s deflected cross.
The 25-year-old midfielder will be hoping for a start for Sunday lunchtime’s huge Premier League clash with Arsenal.
Along with giving their own top four hopes a much-needed boost, Chelsea have the chance to slow down Arsenal’s title charge with a win.
But if they lose, they will fall 13 points behind the Gunners.
Ben Chilwell almost certainly won’t be involved after pulling a hamstring late in the game.
His World Cup hopes have now been left hanging by a thread with Gareth Southgate set to name his 26-man squad within days.
