Chelsea Team News: Conte Confirms Fresh Injury Blow + Hazard Update

Chelsea make their return to the group stages of the Champions League when they welcome Qarabag FK to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

Ahead of the game, Antonio Conte has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this afternoon and he’s offered the latest team and injury news.

The Blues boss confirmed a fresh injury blow with the news that Danny Drinkwater is a major doubt for tomorrow’s game after picking up a calf problem.

Drinkwater – who joined Chelsea on deadline day – is yet to feature this season due to a thigh injury and was an unused substitute during Saturday’s 2-1 victory over former club Leicester.

The England international was in-line to make his debut against Qarabag on Tuesday night but Conte says he’ll now need to be assessed at Cobham this afternoon to determine his availability for the game.

Eden Hazard made his comeback from a broken foot after coming on for the final 12 minutes at the King Power at the weekend leading to suggestions he could start tomorrow.

However, Conte has urged caution with the Belgian international and says there is no point taking any ‘stupid risks’ with the attacker’s fitness so Hazard is set to remain on the bench against Qarabag.

The Chelsea boss also revealed that he’ll rotate his squad tomorrow as he looks to keep his players fresh ahead of a hectic period that sees them compete in three different competitions.

Conte told reporters:

Antonio Conte is now up and he confirms Danny Drinkwater has sustained a calf injury. He'll undergo checks today. #CFC

— Vaishali Bhardwaj (@VaiBhardwaj) September 11, 2017

Conte says Eden Hazard is available but it's important not to take any stupid risks with the Belgian's fitness. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 11, 2017

Conte says the game against Leicester may influence his team selection tomorrow and it's normal that there will be rotation. #CFC

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 11, 2017

After missing out last season, Chelsea are now set to make their return to the top flight of European football and Conte will be keen to get their campaign off to a positive start with a win at the Bridge tomorrow.