The Chelsea hierarchy are reportedly unhappy with manager Maurizio Sarri after he dropped Eden Hazard to the bench for Thursday night's Europa League semi-final with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Hazard's future at Stamford Bridge has been the subject of much debate in recent months, with Real Madrid understood to be determined to bring the Belgian to the Bernabeu in a deal worth more than £100m.
Hazard has so far refused to publicly confirm what his plans are for the end of the season, but it looks increasingly likely that he could have a maximum of four remaining games as a Chelsea player.
Sarri opted to rest the 28-year-old from the start in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final, though, only calling upon Hazard in the 61st minute as Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw.
The Times claims that the Chelsea board were expecting Hazard to start every game between now and the end of the season having resigned themselves to the likelihood of him leaving.
The report goes on to say that Sarri was not questioned about the decision by club executives, but that some key members of the hierarchy were left baffled by Hazard's absence.
Sarri's future is also uncertain heading into the summer, with the Italian's job potentially depending on whether Chelsea secure Champions League qualification next season via either the top four or the Europa League.
Barney Corkhill
