Antonio Conte confirms stance with Eden Hazard and drops Alvaro Morata hint ahead of Champions League clash

Antonio Conte has confirmed Eden Hazard will start from the bench in Chelsea’s Champions League group match against Qarabag FK.

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The Belgian playmaker marked his return for the Blues in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Leicester City, coming on for the final 12 minutes at the King Power Stadium.

Hazard suffered a serious ankle injury while on international duty earlier in the summer and Conte is unwilling to take any ‘stupid risks’ with his star man.


When asked whether Hazard would start on Tuesday night, Conte said: ‘Eden is in the group, in the squad, he’s working very well to find the best physical condition.

‘But I think he needs a bit of time to continue to improve and to avoid taking stupid risks. He will be on the bench.


‘You know very well the importance of this player. Eden last season was amazing, top player and we’re looking forward to having him back in our team.’

Conte also suggested Hazard would be joined on the bench by club-record signing Alvaro Morata, who has already scored three goals for his new club.

‘Morata is playing very well, he’s scoring and totally involved in our style of football,’ Conte added.


‘But don’t forget Morata played the whole game with Spain and then Leicester, I have to check many situations and then make the best decision for tomorrow.

‘It’s normal when you have to play seven games in 21 games, it’s a necessity to rotate my players.’

England international Gary Cahill could be in line for a return after being suspended for Chelsea’s past three games.

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‘I’m delighted to be back and available for selection,’ Cahill said ahead of Tuesday’s clash.


Chelsea 2017/18 Fixtures


FK Qarabag – Champions League (H) – Tue 12 Sep
Arsenal (H) – Sun 17 Sep
Nottingham Forest – League Cup (H) – Tue 19 Sep
Stoke City (A) – Sat 23 Sep
Atletico Madrid – Champions League (A) – Wed 27 Sep
Man City (H) – Sat 30 Sep
Crystal Palace (A) – Sat 14 Oct
Roma – Champions League (H) – Wed 18 Oct
Watford (H) – Mon 23 Oct

‘I feel like my season is just starting now. I’m itching to play and looking forward to getting back involved.

‘Any footballer will tell you it’s frustrating. All you can do is try to influence the lads. We’ve done very well and I’m happy to be back involved.’

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