Chelsea captain John Terry set to return for Capital One Cup tie after being left out by Jose Mourinho in win over Arsenal

  • John Terry has missed Chelsea's last two games but will start Wednesday
  • Chelsea take on Walsall in the Capital One Cup 
  • Diego Costa will not start, while Jamal Blackman could make debut 

John Terry will return to the Chelsea team for Wednesday’s Capital One Cup tie against Walsall.

The Chelsea captain has been dropped from the last two games, against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Champions League and Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal, but he returns for the holder’s clash against the Saddlers.

Jose Mourinho reassured his captain that he was the number one choice in central defence under normal circumstances after the Arsenal win, and will demonstrate that faith on Wednesday,'

Jose Mourinho hugs John Terry after his side's victory over London rivals Arsenal at Stamford Bridge

Jose Mourinho hugs John Terry after his side's victory over London rivals Arsenal at Stamford Bridge

Terry has been left out of his side's last two games, but is set to return in the Capital One Cup this week

Terry has been left out of his side's last two games, but is set to return in the Capital One Cup this week

'He knows the relationship, he knows he’s my man,' said Mourinho. 'He knows that if I have to choose one out of 25 to be my man, he is the first.


'He knows that I care about him. He knows that nothing is at risk. He knows that my decision was only to help my team win the match.'

Bad boy Diego Costa will be on the bench for the trip to the west Midlands, with Radamel Falcao starting in his place.

Terry was left to sit behind Mourinho on the bench throughout Saturday's game at Stamford Bridge

Terry was left to sit behind Mourinho on the bench throughout Saturday's game at Stamford Bridge

But Mourinho reassured his captain that he remains first choice, and was omitted for tactical reasons

But Mourinho reassured his captain that he remains first choice, and was omitted for tactical reasons

Diego Costa, who was lucky to avoid a red card for his part in a spat with Gabriel, will be on the bench

Diego Costa, who was lucky to avoid a red card for his part in a spat with Gabriel, will be on the bench

Costa escaped punishment despite committing a number of potential red card offenses on Saturday lunch time. 

Mourinho has yet to make a decision whether to play young keeper Jamal Blackman, who has never made a senior appearance for Chelsea, in goal in place of Asmir Begovic.

First choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is still out injured, so it remains to be seen whether Begovic will be handed a rest after two games last week.