Eden Hazard is ready to make his first start of the season for Chelsea in their Carabao Cup tie against Nottingham Forest, says Antonio Conte.
The 26-year-old, who scored 16 goals and provided five assists as Chelsea won the Premier League title last season, has so far been eased back into Conte’s side having spent three months out following surgery on his fractured ankle.
Hazard made his comeback for Belgium at the start of September, and his only appearances in Chelsea’s campaign so far have come from the bench, most recently as a second-half substitute in the 0-0 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.
“For Eden, now is the right moment to start the game and to try to play the whole game,” Conte said in his press conference ahead of facing Forest on Wednesday night. “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.”
