Chelsea talisman Eden Hazard has travelled to Belarus to face BATE Borisov in the Europa League.
Reports had suggested that manager Maurizio Sarri would leave the Belgian international out of the squad so he would be fully fit to face Everton on Sunday.
Hazard has not started a game since the 2-2 draw against Manchester United last month due to a back injury. Fans on Twitter are not sure the 27-year-old’s inclusion against BATE would be a good idea:
Why is he travelling? Poor call from Sarri.
— Pys (@CFCPys) 7 November 2018
Ooh in a way wish he wasn’t and was rested for weekend
— Come on you Blues (@carefree1965) 7 November 2018
So stupid.
— Callum Bowes (@CallumBowes8) 7 November 2018
Ugh! Why?
— Alágbàdo (@PhxAkin) 7 November 2018
Man Sarri taking this game serious
— Emmy Nwadinobi CFC (@damnSlick) 7 November 2018
He shouldn't play, Odoi should start the game
— Kobby116 (@Quabena_Edwin) 7 November 2018
Other supporters had different theories:
Honestly it is just to get it over, if we win tonight we can play whoever in the next 2 matches
— Tobias (@TobiasGodvin) 7 November 2018
He really wants to win a trophy asap, I can't blame him at all
— MS? (@SarrifutbolCFC) 7 November 2018
Yeah, he wants to get the 'hasn't won a trophy' out of his profile
— Kolawole Olasunkanmi Hazard (@Kolawoleolas12) 7 November 2018
Or probably just taking the chance to get his match fitness up.
— Dan Panda (@cozierpanda) 7 November 2018
That’s annoying on one front but also he’s just back from injury so could make sense to give Hudson-Odoi a start then replace him with Hazard for 15 at the end
— James Check (@Football44too) 7 November 2018
The Blues can qualify for the knockout rounds with a win in Belarus, but it is still surprising that Sarri opted to take Hazard.
They have three wins from three in the group stages and haven’t looked to be in trouble despite fielding weaker teams in Europe. It may be the case that Sarri wants to get qualification done and dusted before the final two games.
Chelsea have Tottenham and Manchester City before their matches against PAOK and Vidi so the game against BATE is a good opportunity to get the group sewn up.
