Atletico Madrid Vs. Chelsea: Hazard might start; Luiz also in contention despite injury

Chelsea defender David Luiz should start for the Blues against La Liga side Atletico Madrid despite a wrist injury while playmaker Eden Hazard is thought to be pushing for a starting shirt.

The Brazil international defender is expected to feature for the West London club against the Spanish club in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League Group G encounter despite a wrist injury.

The center-half sustained the wrist injury against City rivals Arsenal when he was also red-carded to initiate a three-match embargo which will end after Saturday’s English Premier League match with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Belgium international winger is also expected to start the game, while club captain and England international Gary Cahill might return in defence.

Manager Antonio Conte will be delighted since he has no new injury worries aside summer recruit Danny Drinkwater, who remains out due to a calf problem.

The former Juventus manager remained optimistic while speaking at his World pre-game press conference yesterday.

As far as Conte’s midfield option is concerned, Spaniard Cesc Fabregas is likely to play alongside midfield ‘king’ N’Golo Kante, while Belgian Eden Hazard and Spaniard Alvaro Morata could have Spain international Pedro alongside them in the attack.

Wingback Davide Zappacosta is expected to start at right wing-back after a successful first game against Qarabag.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has a near complete team at his disposal ahead of the Chelsea clash on Wednesday night.