Antonio Conte won’t take ‘stupid risk’ with Eden Hazard and will name him sub in Chelsea’s Champions League tie
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ANTONIO CONTE is remaining patient and will name Eden Hazard on the bench for the Champions League clash with Qarabag - but Danny Drinkwater is set to miss out.
The Belgian international has spent several months on the sidelines after breaking his ankle at the end of last season.
He finally made a return for the Blues at the weekend, but his boss is determined not to rush the attacker back into the mix too soon, and will name him as sub on Tuesday.
Conte confirmed on Monday: "Eden Hazard is in the squad. He is working very well to find the best condition.
"But I think he needs a bit of time to continue to improve and not to take a stupid risk.
"He will be on the bench."
The Italian added: "I think last season he played an amazing season.
"He’s a top player and we are looking forward to having him in our team and our squad.
"Hazard is an important player for us and we play with our team and we are forced to play without him because of injury. We try to win every game."
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Despite the boost of their talisman coming back into the fold, Conte will be without England international midfielder Drinkwater.
Chelsea signed the 27-year-old from Leicester on transfer deadline day and he was an unused sub against his old side during the Blues' 2-1 win at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
But he will have to wait a little longer to make his debut for his new side.
Conte confirmed: "Danny Drinkwater had a muscular problem in his calf.
"We are waiting to check the problem."
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