Hazard struggling with back problem, Sarri confirms

Eden Hazard is nursing a back problem. [Picture: Victoria Jones/PA Wire]

Eden Hazard is struggling with a back problem and is a doubt for Sunday’s Premier League match at Burnley, Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has confirmed. 

Speaking at a media conference on Wednesday afternoon, Sarri revealed that Hazard would not be considered for Thursday’s Europa League match against BATE Borisov and that Jorginho will be rested.

Andreas Christensen is set to be recalled to the starting line-up and Sarri added that Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be involved as well.

But Ethan Ampadu is unavailable because of a knee problem and Sarri said he was unsure about Callum Hudson-Odoi, who has been overlooked this season and has recently been nursing a minor injury.

Hazard’s injury, which he picked up against Manchester United on Saturday, is a concern for Chelsea as the Belgian has been instrumental in their unbeaten start under Sarri.

Chelsea remain unbeaten under Sarri. [Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire]

“Tomorrow he is out for sure,” said Sarri, who plans to make several changes for Thursday’s game.

“He has a back problem and we are trying to solve the problem for Sunday. I think it’s not very easy. The other one out is Ampadu for the knee.

“I want to think very well (about his team selection), because the problem is not this match, the problem will be playing on Sunday after 65 hours. We have to be careful I think, and so maybe five or six (changes).

“Christensen I think will be on the pitch. I don’t know for Odoi. Loftus, maybe.”

Jorginho played in Saturday’s gruelling game against United after featuring in Italy’s two recent internationals.

Sarri explained: “I think he needs to rest now because he played for 90 minutes in the two matches for the national team and then he played for 90 minutes in our last match, so it’s time to rest for him.”