Chelsea will begin their new campaign against Huddersfield on Saturday but they could well do so without Eden Hazard, N’Golo Kante and Olivier Giroud.
The trio will not all start the game this weekend according to head coach Maurizio Sarri, who firmly believes the three players have not fully regained match fitness and will continue to train with the physical trainer – although time on the pitch against Lyon will prove crucial for their chances to play against Huddersfield.
The trio were in advanced stages at the World Cup, with Giroud and Kante winning the summer tournament with France while Belgium picked up third place with a win over England.
Their return to Stamford Bridge was delayed as they were given extended holiday breaks, and with several of their teammates available for selection, Sarri is in no rush to insert the trio on Saturday, insisting they ‘all together’ might not start.
“They arrived yesterday or the day before. It was better for them to play 25 minutes than to have a training session alone with the physical coach. They have to work, obviously.
I’m very happy. I can work with all my players for the first time tomorrow, so we have only three days to prepare for the next match. And the next match will be very important. Very, very, very important.”
Yes, I think so. Especially all together.”
Maurizio Sarri, Goal
