Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri struggling to give up smoking

Maurizio Sarri has opened the door for Chelsea legend John Terry to return to the club as part of the coaching setup, report the Guardian.

Terry spent past year on loan at Aston Villa and impressed as Steve Bruce steered them to a place in the Championship play-off final.

Following an global break where his players have travelled all over the globe, Maurizio Sarri will be looking to maintain his ideal start as Chelsea manager. "We will play against a very physical team, so I think it we want to get points, we need a very good performance".

"It's up to him".

"I think that, if John prefers to start with the young players, it's right to start with the young players". Because, as I said before, I want to give space to the young players.

The Italian has made a flawless start to life at Stamford Bridge, winning all four of his games so far.

Chelsea FC are aiming to at the very least break back into the top four this season after the Blues ended up in fifth place last term under Antonio Conte.

The Chelsea manager gave an affirmative replied when he was asked if he would be open to Terry returning to the team as a coach as well.

"I think tomorrow will be a very hard game".

The Italian added: "I think tomorrow will be a very hard game because, mentally, the match after the break is always very hard". The gap was 30 points at the beginning of the season.

"I don't know now the situation".

"Against a physical and aggressive team it will be a hard test for us".

Chelsea are likely to be without Emerson Palmieri and Davide Zappacosta against Cardiff City on Saturday after both players returned from Italy duty with fever-like symptoms, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek is struggling with a tibial problem sustained with England.

The 37-year-old is still without a club though, and Villa's new owners are prepared to back Bruce with funds.

Chelsea on the other hand look as if they have plenty of goals in them and host the Bluebirds on Saturday with all but full strength first team - with Cesc Fabregas the only injury doubt. "No more". He added: "Then I'd like to start again".