Sarri cannot wait to add Hazard to free-scoring Chelsea attack

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri took major positives from Chelsea’s free-scoring form without their star man Eden Hazard – but claims the talent will be back into the first team once he’s fit.

Hazard missed his second consecutive match with a back problem as Sarri’s side hammered Burnley 4-0 at Turf Moor.

The talented winger is already a doubt for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fourth-round clash with Derby, it has been revealed.

There were plenty of Blues players getting in on the goalscoring act at Burnley, as Alvaro Morata, Ross Barkley, Willian and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were all on the score-sheet.

Speaking after the game, Sarri said: “I want Hazard in every match if it’s possible because we have a lot of very good players but Hazard I think is something different.

“I am very happy because the team was able to score seven goals in two matches without Hazard. It’s a very good sign. I want Eden as soon as possible. I don’t know for Wednesday but I hope for Sunday.”

Barkley has been in fine form, and added two more assists in addition to his goal on Sunday.

Discussing the England players form, Sarri said: “Barkley is doing very well in this period.

“He improved in the defensive phase, improved very much. He improved his physical condition because the last season for him was really very difficult.

“He’s a very good player from the technical point of view. Now I think Ross is complete.”

 

TEAM NEWS: Arsenal and Chelsea news ahead of Europa League clashes

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is in line to make his first Chelsea start of the season when the Blues face Hungarian champions Vidi in the Europa League Group L.

Loftus-Cheek has recovered from a shin problem in time for the game, and Chelsea also have winger Pedro and defender Antonio Rudiger returning to full fitness.

Blues head coach Maurizio Sarri is expected to make a host of changes for the clash, with the likes of Gary Cahill, Andreas Christensen, Emerson Palmieri, Alvaro Morata and Cesc Fabregas all touted to feature at some point in the game.

Meanwhile, also in the Europa League, Arsenal will be without Henrikh Mkhitaryan for their game against Qarabag in Baku, due to diplomatic tensions between the country and Mkhitaryan’s native Armenia.