Eden Hazard ready to start in Nottingham Forest visit

Eden Hazard's careful reintroduction to the Chelsea first team is set to be complete when the Belgian lines up against Nottingham Forest in their League Cup tie on Wednesday.

The Reds have one of the leakiest defences in the Championship, and will now have to contend with the winding runs of Hazard, who's been restricted to just three substitute appearances for Chelsea this season. The forward was unavailable after undergoing ankle surgery during the summer and, although Antonio Conte was cautious with his talisman's fitness, made his return to the pitch in two Belgium matches during the last international break.

"For Eden, now is the right moment to start the game and to try to play the whole game," Conte said in his pre-match press conference, as reported by Sky Sports' James Dale.

"I hope to be with him at the final step from his injury. In my (playing) career I was injured a lot and I have a bit of experience. With him, we are managing the situation well."

Hazard could be the most recognisable name on the Chelsea team sheet as Conte looks to make multiple changes to his starting XI ahead of Saturday's trip to Stoke City. Versatile 20-year-old Charly Musonda and Kenedy are expected to be given opportunities in the visit from Mark Warburton's side.

Chelsea last won the League Cup in the 2014-15 campaign, and may begin this quest against a weakened Nottingham Forest team. Warburton handed starts to some bit-part squad members in the previous round's 3-2 win at Newcastle United, including Daniel Fox, Eric Lichaj, Michael Mancienne, and exciting youngster Ben Brereton.