Hazard expected to be fit for Palace game

Eden Hazard is expected to be fit to face Crystal Palace in Saturday’s London derby at Stamford Bridge.

The 26-year-old missed Chelsea’s recent game against Stoke City with a calf problem and was also not involved for Belgium during the international break.

But when asked if Hazard is available, Blues boss Antonio Conte said: “I am confident, but not only to play but to play really good.”

Hazard, who has scored 11 Premier League goals this season, is one of several injury concerns Chelsea have had.

Conte remained coy on who else is not certain of being fit, but Diego Costa, Victor Moses and Thibaut Courtois have all been struggling.

“It’s important to check two or three situations and make the best decisions tomorrow,” Conte added.

“This week easy wasn’t to work after the international break. Someone has come back with some problems and it is important to check and wait. I have two or three situations to evaluate.”

But captain John Terry is back in contention.

“John is good and has trained all the week,” Conte said. “For the others it is important to check their situations.”