Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that his side have missed captain John Terry during the centre-back's recent three-game absence due to injury.
Mourinho confirmed on Friday that the defender will return for the Premier League meeting with Everton on Saturday after being sidelined with a gluteal muscle problem.
Chelsea have won just once in his absence, beating Newcastle United at home before drawing at struggling West Bromwich Albion and exiting the FA Cup at Manchester City in their last outing.
In those three games Mourinho's side let in three goals, compared to the two goals conceded in Terry's last eight appearances before his injury.
"John is fit and he plays. I miss him. He's a stable player. He doesn't make a lot of mistakes," Mourinho said, confirming he will replace David Luiz.
"He has this basic level of performance that gives stability to the team. Especially a team with a lot of young people in other areas. That stability is giving us a good position."
Mourinho hopes that Luiz will be fit to return to face Galatasaray in the Champions League next week, particularly as January signings Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah are cup-tied in Europe.
"It's something in the muscle he's feeling. He's not ready for this game," Mourinho said.
Victory over Everton will maintain Chelsea's standing at the top of the Premier League table, although Mourinho still refuses to talk about his side as title favourites.
"We are top of the league, but can be second if Manchester City win their game in hand."
