Antonio Conte worried about Eden Hazard ahead of Leicester v Chelsea – report

Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard Photo: Nike

Antonio Conte is considering delaying Eden Hazard’s return to the Chelsea starting line-up until the Champions League returns next week, according to reports in the British media.

The Evening Standard is reporting that Conte is not sure whether to include the 26-year-old Brazilian in Chelsea’s starting line-up for the Blues’ trip to the King Power Stadium to take on Leicester City on Saturday afternoon.

Hazard played a total of 93 minutes for Belgium while on international duty in recent days but the playmaker has still not featured for Chelsea this season after stepping up his recovery from an ankle injury.

Chelsea play Qarabag in the Champions League group stage at Stamford Bridge next Tuesday night and Conte is debating whether that game could be a better option for Hazard to make his return in, according to the same report.

The Blues are preparing to take on Leicester in the Premier League as they look to build on their back to back wins over Tottenham and Everton in the top flight.

Hazard helped Chelsea win the Premier League in Conte’s first season at the club last term as they also secured a return to the Champions League.

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