Middlesbrough vs. Chelsea: Antonio Conte's Key Pre-Match Press Conference Quotes

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has said Oscar and Cesc Fabregas will not be leaving the club amid speculation they could be on the move in January. 

Conte was quizzed about the two players' futures at Stamford Bridge and insisted both remain important to him, per the Blues' official Twitter feed and ESPN FC's Liam Twomey:

According to the Telegraph's Matt Law, the pair were to be cleared out by Conte to make way for new arrivals.

Goal's Nizaar Kinsella wasn't overly convinced by his assertion on Fabregas, however:

The Spaniard has played just 87 minutes of Premier League football this term and is not a natural fit in Conte's 3-4-3 formation, which makes use of two holding midfielders.

One player who does appear to be thriving again is Eden Hazard, and the Italian praised him after he was handed the Premier League's player of the month award on Friday:

Conte is not inviting comparisons with the world's best just yet, however:

He was also delighted to pick up the manager of the month award and credited those around him for their part in it, per the Sun's Jamie Gordon: "For me it’s a great pleasure and a great honour to receive this award after three months. It’s important to share this award with the players and staff."

Chelsea resume their title push against Middlesbrough on Sunday having won five consecutive Premier League games prior to the international break, in which they kept a clean sheet in each.

The 47-year-old is hoping the Blues can maintain their good form and is optimistic about their chances for the remainder of the season:

By contrast, Middlesbrough have won just twice this season and find themselves one point above the drop zone.

Conte revealed he has a fully fit squad to choose from at the Riverside Stadium: 

Even Kurt Zouma is returning to action after a serious knee injury, though he won't be in line to play against Middlesbrough, per Twomey:

With the Blues fit and—prior to the break at least—firing on all cylinders, there's a strong chance they will be able to maintain their winning run and extend it to a sixth match.

Boro will take solace in being at home and having avoided defeat in their last three games—which included Arsenal and Manchester City—but if Chelsea can take their chances, they should have little trouble securing three points.