Maurizio Sarri: 'Eden Hazard currently unable to complete 90 minutes'

Maurizio Sarri has reiterated that Eden Hazard is being used sparingly for Chelsea at present due to his lack of match fitness and that he will be starting games in the coming weeks.

The Belgium international, who returned late to Stamford Bridge following his nation's third-place finish at the World Cup, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Sarri has opted to bring Hazard on from the bench in both of their Premier League games so far, and the attacker played a key part in securing wins against Huddersfield Town and Arsenal.

"It's clear," the Italian told Sky Sports News. "He is a great player, but I think that in this moment he is not able to play for 90 minutes.

"So I think that it was better for 25, 30 minutes when the intensity of the match is going down. But I hope, one more week, maximum two weeks, he will be able to play for 90 minutes."

Hazard registered his 41st assist for Chelsea in the 3-2 win over the Gunners, taking him level with Cesc Fabregas for the Blues and behind only Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Gianfranco Zola.