Maurizio Sarri hints at first Eden Hazard start of season

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has hinted that Eden Hazard could make his first start of the season when his side face Newcastle United at St James' Park on Sunday.

Hazard is being eased back into Premier League action following his World Cup exploits with Belgium this summer, coming on as a substitute during the victories over Huddersfield Town and Arsenal so far.

Sarri insists that the winger is still not ready for a full 90 minutes, but suggested that he could include the 27-year-old from the start for the first time in his reign.

"I think Eden is ready for 50 or 60 minutes, I don't know for 90 minutes, but he can start," Sarri told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

Sarri also poured further doubt over the possibility of Hazard leaving the club this month, despite persistent reports linking him with a move to Real Madrid.