Ivanovic passed fit to return to Chelsea squad

Branislav Ivanovic has been passed fit to return to the Chelsea squad for Sunday’s game against Southampton.

The Serbian defender, 32, has been nursing a minor injury and has not featured for the Blues since the 3-0 defeat at Arsenal more than a month ago.

Ivanovic recently returned to full training and is available for the trip to St Mary’s, but Cesc Fabregas is still out.

Fabregas has a muscular problem but is expected to resume full training shortly.