When Nemanja Matic was used in a deal to bring David Luiz to Chelsea in 2011, little did we know the player would be returning to the Blues so soon. Nemanja Matic re-signed for Chelsea in the January transfer window last year, and has made a huge impact on his side.

He has featured heavily for his side in the Premier League this term but has had a dip in form of late. So what has happened to the Serbian?

Nemanja Matic has faced problems since Chelsea’s clash with Burnley. Matic picked up a straight red card for pushing Ashley Barnes, which resulted in a two match ban. Understandably, Jose Mourinho was livid over this situation. Matic pushed Barnes in retaliation to a dirty tackle. Barnes was in no way disciplined, yet Matic was, despite Barnes’s challenge being far more dangerous.

Matic's ban was initially set at three games, but subsequently  reduced to two. This ban saw the Serb miss the League Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur, and the league clash against West Ham. Kurt Zouma was called up to the starting line-up to fill in for the missing Matic.

He returned for Chelsea’s Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge against Paris Saint Germain but the return of the midfielder was overshadowed by the drama, and the result of the game.

Zlatan Imbrahimovic saw red after thirty minutes, which seemingly gave the home side an advantage. Chelsea could not overcome the strength of the ten men PSG with David Luiz rubbing salt in the wounds at Stamford Bridge by netting a goal himself.

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Matic returned to the starting line-up again against top four contenders Southampton. Ronald Koeman’s men certainly gave Chelsea a run for their money, and Matic’s return to the Premier League was marred by the fact he conceded a penalty in the game.

Because of the challenge, Matic picked up a yellow card and was subbed off early into the second half. Thanks to the penalty, the scoreline evened up to a goal apiece. Neither side were able to score again, and Chelsea dropped two points at home. Again, not an ideal situation for Matic.

In Chelsea’s latest fixture, against Hull City, Matic played a full 90 minutes. Again, Matic was back in the referee’s book with a yellow card. Hull found the back of the net twice within two minutes to equalise at home, but Loic Remy saved his side within the last 20 minutes. This late on in the season, Matic’s return has been less than favourable.

Matic has struggled to find his form again after his unfortunate ban. It has clearly knocked his confidence, but with the impending international break, Matic should come back stronger for Chelsea.

He has been an important addition this season – how often he has played shows how highly Mourinho rates him – and he can show his worth again in the final stretch to sealing the Premier League title for the Blues.

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