Chelsea fans, especially those who fancy Eden Hazard in starting teams, can look ahead with optimism ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League game against Atletico Madrid.
Antonio Conte gave the strongest hint the Belgian attacker can be one of his starters against Atletico.
Hazard has had an indifferent start to the season, having been operated on this summer, after incurring an ankle injury last season. His involvement in the Chelsea team has been slow this season.
He has not featured much, and was only thrown into the mix in the second half of Chelsea’s Champions League opener against Qarabag last week.
The Blues last outing was against Stoke City in the Premier League, and the 2015 PFA Player of the Year enjoyed only 18 minutes of the action at the Bet365 stadium.
Speaking to the Chelsea official website, Conte is adamant Hazard will get more minutes this Wednesday against Diego Simeone’s side.
I think now Eden is improving a lot and for sure he’s in contention for Atletico Madrid. After a bad injury and surgery you need time. He’s almost ready to play but if I make this decision it will be because I’m comfortable with it.
I think we are managing him very well. Other players are also very important for us and now it’s important to be sure he’s ready.
Eden Hazard, Chelsea FC
