Chelsea vs Everton: Latest Team News & Injury Updates From Conte & Koeman

Chelsea will look to build on their 2-1 victory over Tottenham last weekend when they take on Everton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

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

The Chelsea boss provided the latest on Eden Hazard’s fitness and the Belgian international is set to step-up his recovery with a run-out for the Under-23’s this evening.

Hazard has been on the sidelines since suffering a broken ankle while on international duty back in June but he’s still not fit enough to return for the first team this weekend and Conte insists he won’t rush his attacker back too soon.

Conte told the clubs website:

‘He is improving. Today he is playing for the Under-23s against Everton. But he is not fully fit.

‘I see him every day and I repeat in this situation it’s very important to give the right time to players to recover very well, also because Hazard is an important player for us.

‘If someone thinks to accelerate the process, it’s not the right way. It’s a great mistake. We must pay great attention to not make mistakes at this moment.’

Otherwise, Conte has a full-fit squad to choose from as Tiemoue Bakayoko came through his debut unscathed last weekend after being rushed back from a knee injury.

Ronald Koeman has also held his press conference today and he’s given Evertonfc.com an update on the condition of his squad ahead of the trip to west London.

The Toffees boss confirmed that Idrissa Gana Gueye will be given every chance to prove his fitness after missing their Europa League play off with Hajduk Split last night due to a hamstring injury.

Koeman told the clubs website:

“I don’t know about Gana. We need to wait until tomorrow [Saturday] to make a decision on whether or not he can start.”

Everton will definitely be without Morgan Schneiderlin as he serves a one-match suspension following his red card against Man City on Monday while Sandro Ramirez is still doubtful with a heel problem.

Davy Klaassen has been ruled out with a foot injury so he joins James McCarthy, Ross Barkle, Yannick Bolasie, Ramiro Funes Mori and Seamus Coleman on the sidelines.