On Wednesday, Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri said his superstar forward Eden Hazard had a back issue that would force him to miss Thursday night’s Europa League group stage rout over Bate Borisov. Sarri said he was hopeful his 27-year-old scoring machine will be fit for Sunday’s trip to the Turf Moor to take on Burnley FC.
Obviously, the big time playing Belgian is the Blues primary fitness concern for the weekend Premier League fixture against the Clarets. The only other name to mention, other than Hazard, at this point is Ethan Ampadu, who is sidelined with a knee problem.
Of course, he wasn’t likely to feature anyway, as there is a ton of competition for midfield minutes right now. The depth and talent is so strong in this position group that even a player who nets a hat trick, like Ruben Loftus-Cheek did last night, isn’t guaranteed a place.
Switching over to the Clarets, winger/left-back Robbie Brady (still recovering from knee surgery) and defender Ben Gibson are strong doubts for this match as neither has even made a single appearance this season.
Meanwhile the versatile Stephen Ward is still convalescing from knee surgery and won’t be ready for this clash.
Meanwhile England international Nick Pope is out with a long-term shoulder injury.
Even if he was fit, he might not supplant the current number 1, another Englishman, Joe Hart who was honored by his long time former club last weekend.
Chelsea FC vs Burnley FC FYIs
Odds: Chelsea 5/6, Draw 4/1, Burnley 21/2
Kickoff: 1:30 PM BST Sunday October 28
Chelsea Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Prediction: Chelsea 3, Burnley 1
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, is currently a regular contributor to SB Nation, WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Sound Cloud and YouTube. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to any and all of his.