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Five things to look for as Chelsea return to action against Leicester City

By Shivansh Sareen

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 19: General view inside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Leicester City and Brighton and Hove Albion at The King Power Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 19: General view inside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Leicester City and Brighton and Hove Albion at The King Power Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) /
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With Chelsea restarting their Premier League title defence against 2015/16 champions Leicester City, here are five things to look for.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – AUGUST 31: Eden Hazard of Belgium looks on during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Belgium and Gibraltar at Stade Maurice Dufrasne on August 31, 2017 in Liege, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – AUGUST 31: Eden Hazard of Belgium looks on during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Belgium and Gibraltar at Stade Maurice Dufrasne on August 31, 2017 in Liege, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /

The Premier League is officially back this weekend as the dull and insipid international break comes to a close. While Antonio Conte would be looking to avoid a Shakespearean tragedy with his Chelsea team, we have drawn together a list of 5 things you should keep your eyes peeled for.

1. Eden Hazard’s return

Chelsea were dealt a huge blow right at the start of the summer transfer window, as reports emerged about an ankle injury sustained by Eden Hazard. Hazard, arguably the best player in the Premier League, successfully underwent a surgery soon after. However it was his recovery from the injury which saw him miss Chelsea’s pre-season and the start of the Premier League campaign.

Hazard marked his return from injury with a spirited performance for the U23s against Everton. Chelsea fans went into a meltdown when Hazard was called up for international duty by Belgium. Coach Antonio Conte was given assurances but fans remained unimpressed. He played a part in both the international friendlies for his country, scoring and assisting in a 9-0 demolition of Gibraltar.

Fortunately Hazard has returned to Cobham unscathed and it is to be seen whether Conte would deem the Leicester match important enough to risk aggravating his injury. Conte has stated in his pre-match press conference that the club won’t rush Hazard’s return, but if Chelsea find themselves in a sticky situation with 20 minutes to go, the talismanic Belgian may very well be summoned.

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