Morata, who has made a huge impression since joining from Real Madrid, pulled up in the 34th minute of Chelsea’s clash with Manchester City.
He signalled to the bench that he was unable to carry on and promptly limped off the pitch.
“The reaction from the bench was that they knew he was going into the game with a bit of a fatigued hamstring,” Hoddle said on BT Sport.
“It’s obviously tightened up and they can’t take a risk."
Willian came on to replace Morata instead of Michy Batshuayi, who scored the last-gasp winner against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
“It’s interesting isn’t it,” Hoddle said. “I think that’s a tactical reason.
“He’s seen that they’re getting outplayed in midfield and he’s going to play almost with no centre-forward and put an extra body in that midfield area to get more possession.”
