Ivanovic passed fit to return for Stoke game

Branislav Ivanovic has been passed fit to return to the Chelsea squad for Saturday’s match against the Stoke.

The Serbian defender, whose performances this season have attracted much criticism, has been unavailable since suffering a hamstring injury while on international duty a month ago.

Ivanovic’s last appearance for the Blues came in the 3-1 defeat at home against Southampton on 3 October.

Boss Jose Mourinho insisted prior to the player’s injury that he still regarded Ivanovic, 31, as Chelsea’s best right-back.

Meanwhile, Mourinho reiterated on Friday afternoon that striker Radamel Falcao will be out for a number of weeks after picking up an injury in training.

He also confirmed that he has opted not to appeal against his one-match stadium ban and will therefore not be at the Britannia Stadium for this weekend’s game.

“I know the result of the appeal already. I decided to give up”, he said. “It is stupid to fight a fight you know you are going to lose.”