Hazard to play for Chelsea’s Under-23s against Everton

Eden Hazard will continue his comeback from injury by playing for Chelsea’s Under-23s on Friday evening.

The winger has not played for the Blues’ first team this season after fracturing his right ankle playing for Belgium in June.

But he did feature in a recent behind-closed-doors friendly against QPR, scoring one of Chelsea’s goals in an 8-0 win.

Boss Antonio Conte confirmed Hazard would miss the Premier League game with Everton on Sunday, but would take to the field against the Merseysiders’ youngsters.

“I think that the only player that is not fully fit is Hazard. He is improving. Today he is playing in the Under-23s against Everton but he’s not fully fit,” the Italian said.

Conte also admitted he was “surprised” by the decision of Belgium boss Roberto Martinez to call Hazard up for their games with Gibraltar and Greece on August 31 and September 3.