In a major setback, Maurizio Sarri has confirmed Eden Hazard won’t be able to participate in Chelsea’s Europa League encounter with PAOK on Thursday.
Having already confirmed a place in the knockouts Sarri does have the luxury to experiment with his starting lineup when his side host the Greek side on Thursday.
Persistent injury problems have been a major concern for Hazard as he missed a large portion of the ongoing season. The Belgian looked to be in scintillating form but hasn’t found the net in the last four games in the Premier League.
Chelsea lost their first match of this season as they crumbled to a 3-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in the last math. The Blues will be looking for some redemption to get back to winning ways.
Sarri insists Hazard is carrying a minor injury. “Hazard is not a serious injury.
“He will not be able to play tomorrow but I think we will be able to recover him for the next Premier League match.”
“I am worried because 25 days ago he had a back injury, now the ankle
“I think he has lost a lot of training, so it’s normal he isn’t in top physical condition.
“He needs to have one week of training and a couple of matches before going to the best level.
“This week is useful for him to have training, and then we will see. I think he cannot play ten matches in 30 days, so sometimes he has to rest.”
