Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri hints at bench for Eden Hazard versus Crystal Palace

Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri has suggested that Eden Hazard will only be able to play a bit-part role in the Premier League fixture with Crystal Palace.

Hazard has been forced to sit out the last three fixtures due to a back problem, but assistant Gianfranco Zola hinted earlier this week that the playmaker could feature on Sunday afternoon.

Sarri has indicated that his star man is nearing a return but played down the possibility of Hazard being able to complete the 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge.

At a press conference, the Italian told reporters: "Yesterday, he had a large part of the training with the team but maybe he will not be ready to play for 90 minutes at the moment – because it was his first training for the past two weeks.

"Probably he will be able to play for 40 to 45 minute, so for us it is important."

Hazard has contributed seven goals and three assists from his nine outings in the top flight this season.