Antonio Conte has today confirmed that Eden Hazard is fit and ready to play against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, but might start him off the bench.
The Belgium international missed Chelsea’s last game on Wednesday due to minor injury (knock) when the Blues faced a tough battle from the league’s bottom side Sunderland, eventually winning the game 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.
Hazard’s absence was well noted, as the Blues were heavily struggling to take their chances in front of goal, scoring just the one goal from 20 shots taken. Willian replaced the flying winger on the left, while Pedro was operating on the right.
Conte confirms that the 25-year-old has trained with the rest of the squad, but could have to start him off from the bench as he doesn’t want to risk his fitness.
I think he’s fit. I have to see if I decide to put him in the starting eleven, but he trained with us.
We played a lot of games well with Eden, but I need all my players… it’s important to have possibility to choose.
– Antonio Conte, Chelsea TV
Chelsea will be playing four more games in the coming 20 days and it’s important to have the star man fit for all upcoming fixtures.
The Blues are currently on top of the Premier League table with six points’ margin to Liverpool and Arsenal right behind them. This weekend Arsenal will be visiting Manchester City, while Liverpool play Everton on Monday.
