Guus Hiddink returned to his usual programme after the international break by addressing the media ahead of Chelsea FC’s clash with Aston Villa.
In his customary pre-match press conference, Chelsea FC interim boss provided the media with team news ahead of the Blues’ Premier League fixture against Aston Villa tomorrow. There are suspensions and injuries that will see certain players be unavailable.
Eden Hazard was the player under most scrutiny. Hiddink confirmed that, as it currently stands, the Belgian will not be in the squad for the clash.
"I will talk to the medical staff again today but Hazard is not available for now. He is on the pitch but with the physios, outside the group. – via chelseafc.com"
Belgium senior team coach, Marc Wilmots, did not call up the winger for the international break. He revealed that he had been in contact with the Chelsea medical staff and the decision was taken to afford Hazard some time off to recover from niggles.
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The two weeks have evidently not been enough for a full recuperation, with the Belgian still not taking part in first-team training.
Pedro is likely to be the player that will deputise for Hazard, as he has done in recent times. Alternatively, Kenedy could deployed in his more natural wing position as opposed to the full-back slot in which he has been frequently seen.
Hiddink also confirmed that his number one striker will be unavailable. Diego Costa was sent off during the club’s FA Cup elimination at the hands of Everton and is consequently suspended.
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However, the forward was also left out of Vicente Del Bosque’s Spain squad, fuelling rumours of a rift between the pair. The Spain boss has always been an outspoken critic of Costa’s antics, but he stated that the decision was also injury-related.
The international break has indeed been enough for the striker to recover, with Hiddink confirming that he is free from any previous niggle.
Bertrand Traore is expected to start in place of Costa tomorrow afternoon, after impressing over his few appearances in recent months. Originally a winger, Traore has been used as an emergency striker and has shown potential in the spot, hitting the back of the net four times already.
Loic Remy is the other option, but there is little reason to start a player on the verge of leaving Stamford Bridge over one who is supposed to be a protagonist next season.
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Then again, this is Chelsea.