Chelsea will have their talisman Eden Hazard back from injury against Crystal Palace if everything goes according to plan, their manager revealed.
Maurizio Sarri says his forward will likely return to face the Eagles next Sunday in the Premier League but will sit out the game against Derby County on Wednesday. That will make three games Hazard has missed due to the back injury he suffered in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United last week.
He has so far missed the Blues Europa League clash with BATE Borisov and the 4-0 thumping of Burnley last Saturday.
Without Hazard, Chelsea coped very well, with Willian, Ross Barkley, Alvaro Morata and Ruben Loftus-Cheek grabbed the goals for Sarri’s side. But the Italian coach suggests he is still looking forward to Hazard’s return to the first team:
“I want him every match if possible because we have a lot of good players. Hazard offers something different. I am very happy as the team was able to score seven goals in two matches without Hazard. That’s a good sign.
I want Eden as soon as possible. I’m not sure for Wednesday but hopefully for Sunday.”
Maurizio Sarri, Football London
Hazard remains Chelsea’s most important and decisive player and the Blues will have to hope that even in his absence, they continue to perform to high standards.
