Eden Hazard is set to stay at home as Maurizio Sarri prepares for Chelsea’s Europa League campaign. Hazard has made an excellent start to the season under Sarri, the club’s new manager, but is not expected to fly out with the squad to Greece today.
Sarri is planning to rotate his squad for Thursday’s clash with PAOK Salonika and has decided to rest the Belgium international, who scored a hat-trick against Cardiff on Saturday.
Gary Cahill, the club captain, could make his first appearance of the season at the Toumba Stadium while there may also be game-time for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ross Barkley and Andreas Christensen. Hazard was described as one of the best players in Europe by Sarri after his display against Cardiff but is to be rested for this weekend’s Premier League game against West Ham. Meanwhile, Wales international Ethan Ampadu has signed a new five-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Ampadu, who signed from Exeter in July 2017 with the fee agreed by tribunal, has impressed since moving to the club. “I’m really proud and happy, I’m looking forward to the next five years,” said the defender or midfielder, who turned 18 last week.