Gianfranco Zola has revealed that Eden Hazard is likely miss Chelsea’s Carabao Cup clash with Derby but is hopeful that the forward will return to face Crystal Palace this weekend.
Hazard, 27, picked up a back injury in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United after a robust challenge from Ashley Young and missed the recent victories over BATE Borisov and Burnley.
There were hopes that Hazard could return to face Frank Lampard’s Derby on Wednesday night but the Belgium international is yet to join up with his team-mates in training.
However, Chelsea assistant manager Zola is confident that Hazard will be available when Maurizio Sarri’s men host Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.
Asked about Hazard’s fitness, Zola replied: ‘He’s certainly much better and I think maybe, [but I’m] not sure, today maybe tomorrow he will join us in training.
‘I don’t think he’ll be involved tomorrow but hes looking good for the weekend. Were pleased because he’s so important for us.’
‘He was getting better but there’s still a little problem. We’ll assess him tomorrow.
‘Giroud has a fatigue problem with one of his legs so we will assess him tomorrow.
[Ethan] Ampadu returned to training yesterday and we’ll decide tomorrow whether he’ll be part of the team.’