Chelsea take on Burnley on Monday night in a vital Premier League match. The Blues need a victory to move into third place following losses by both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at the weekend. One player who looks like to miss the vital game for the Blues is Eden Hazard.
Under fire manager Maurizio Sarri is also without one of his most important defenders.
Eden Hazard ankle injury
Eden Hazard suffered an ankle injury against Slavia Praha in the Blues’ Europa League quarterfinal second leg win last Thursday. Hazard was removed after 65 minutes of play as Chelsea advanced to the semifinals.
Although Sarri described the injury as a “strong knock”, it is possible Hazard could take his place in Chelsea’s starting XI.
It is more likely that Sarri will rest Hazard with an eye on Sunday’s game at Old Trafford.
Antonio Rudiger knee injury
Centre-back Antonio Rudiger will sit out the fixture as he recoups from a knee injury suffered against Liverpool.
Rudiger missed the Blues’ Europa League quarterfinal second leg match against Slavia Praha last Thursday with Gary Cahill taking his place on the bench.
It is hoped the German will be available at the weekend when Chelsea visit Manchester United in another must-win game as the race for the top four heats up.
Ethan Ampadu is also sidelined for Chelsea as a back injury continues to keep him out of the team.
Burnley injury worries
Burnley manager Sean Dyche has several players on the shelf as the season comes to an end. Steven Defour and Aaron Lennon have both missed several matches due to their respective injuries. Neither will return for Burnley’s visit to Chelsea.
Phil Bardsley has been left out of the Burnley team recently due to a leg laceration. He could return to the squad against Chelsea.
Striker Peter Crouch is nearing a return to action following an appendectomy. He is likely to be in contention for a place in Dyche’s team at the weekend, however.
Chelsea have lost just once in their last 10 matches against Burnley in all competitions. That one loss came at Stamford Bridge in August 2017 when the Clarets won 3-2.
