Sarri hoping for swift Hazard return
Maurizio Sarri was pleased to see Chelsea easily manage without Eden Hazard but hopes to have him back for next weekend’s game against Crystal Palace.
A back problem meant Hazard missed the 4-0 win at Burnley, where the Blues cruised to victory without their talisman.
Chelsea, who will play Derby in the Carabao Cup in midweek, remain unbeaten under boss Sarri and are back up to second in the Premier League table.
The win at Turf Moor came three days after they beat BATE Borisov 3-1 in the Europa League, also without Hazard.
“I am happy the team was able to score seven goals in two matches without Hazard,” Sarri said.
“That’s a good sign. But I want Eden as soon as possible. I’m not sure for Wednesday, but hopefully for Sunday.”
Alvaro Morata, Ross Barkley, Willian and Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored in Hazard’s absence.
Loftus-Cheek, who netted a hat-trick against BATE, scored in injury time in Sunday’s win, having come on as a first-half substitute for Pedro.
Sarri suggested that Pedro came off because of stomach pain.
“I spoke with the doctor and he said it was a strong stomach ache.” Sarri said;
