Eden Hazard has made substitute appearances in each of Chelsea two most recent matches (Picture: Getty)

Antonio Conte insists he will continue to take a cautious approach with Eden Hazard, but Chelsea’s star forward looks more than ready to make his first start of the season against Arsenal on Sunday if his performances in training are anything to go by.

Hazard missed the start of the new season after he underwent ankle surgery in the summer, but has recovered sufficiently to make substitute appearances in each of Chelsea’s last two matches.

‘Eden, for sure he’s improving and I think he has to have this kind of passions with him is paying off,’ said Conte on Friday.

‘He’s very close, he’s very close to be totally fit and we have to continue in this way and don’t forget I have to make decision for the team, for the players.

‘But I think he’s improving a lot and he’s very close to being 100% fit.’

And Hazard gave an indication of his improving condition on Friday with a superb goal as he and his teammates warmed-up for Sunday’s Stamford Bridge showdown.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZGfy4YlfmO/?hl=en&taken-by=chelseafc

Hazard starred in last season’s 3-1 win over the Gunners at Stamford Bridge, scoring a memorable goal, running from the halfway line, shaking off the challenge of Francis Coquelin, wrong-footing two more defenders and slotting the ball past his former teammate Petr Cech.

After the opening day defeat against Burnley, Conte’s side has recovered to record four straight wins in all competitions with both Willian and Pedro shining in Hazard’s absence.

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