Skip to content

Conte: Hazard missed Stoke win due to 'problem' with calf

Action Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff

Manager Antonio Conte revealed that Chelsea star Eden Hazard suffered a calf injury ahead of Saturday's win over Stoke City.

The Belgium international was a surprise exclusion when the team sheets were released, with Chelsea saying he would miss the match due to the "small problem."

After the 2-1 win, Conte confirmed that Hazard's omission from the squad came after he suffered a calf knock during Chelsea's training session Friday.

"Hazard in the last training felt a bit of a problem in his calf and for this reason I preferred not to risk him," Conte told reporters.

There's no word as to whether the injury will force Hazard to withdraw from the Belgian national team ahead of the country's World Cup qualifier against Greece on March 25.

After Chelsea's 1-0 win over Manchester United in the FA Cup, Conte bemoaned the number of heavy challenges against the 26-year-old and called for referees to provide better protection.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox