Branislav Ivanovic: 'Eden Hazard accepts his punishment'

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has revealed that midfielder Eden Hazard "accepts being disciplined" after losing his place in the team against Schalke 04 in midweek.

Hazard was absent from his side's 18-man squad after missing training on Monday, but Ivanovic has insisted that the Belgium international is ready to feature in Chelsea's match with West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

The 29-year-old told London24: "It is important for the team, but also Eden accepts this as a discipline and he will be in the next game.

"It means that we are serious, and we are all together - and I don't think that he has a problem with that."

Hazard has scored five times in 15 appearances for Chelsea this season.