Maurizio Sarri has named Eden Hazard in his squad for Chelsea’s Europa League clash with BATE Borisov.
Hazard missed three matches with a back problem after a robust challenge from Manchester United’s Ashley Young last month but returned with a cameo appearance against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
While widespread reports suggested that Sarri would rest Hazard on Thursday evening, the Belgian was pictured en route to Belarus with the rest of his team-mates.
The Blues have all but secured progression from Group L so Hazard’s inclusion will come as a surprise to many.
Sarri’s men host Everton at Stamford Bridge this weekend and the forward should be ready to start barring another injury on Thursday night.
Asked about Hazard’s fitness prior to Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Palace, Sarri told Sky Sports:
‘I spoke with the doctor yesterday and he said he is doing better but he’s not ready to play for 90 minutes. ‘So we decided altogether for the bench.
only £10m in January ‘I think it’s very important for us to have him on the bench for the last 30-35 minutes, if necessary.’ Olivier Giroud is expected to feature against BATE Borisov after a leg injury kept the striker out of Chelsea’s victories over Derby and Palace.