Eden Hazard: Chelsea fans fear the worst as Maurizio Sarri names star player on the bench against Eintracht Frankfurt

Eden Hazard: Chelsea fans fear the worst as Maurizio Sarri names star player on the bench against Eintracht Frankfurt
Maurizio Sarri has made a bold move by naming Eden Hazard on the bench for the first leg of Chelsea’s Europa League semi-final against Eintracht Frankfurt.The Blues manager clearly has one eye on Sunday’s Premier League clash with Watford, prioritising a top-four finish over Europa League glory.1

Hazard does not start against the Bundesliga side

Chelsea are in control of fourth place, with a two-point cushion over Arsenal and just a couple of games remaining.However, the winners of the Europa League will also book their place in next season’s Champions League – and fans are stunned to see Hazard rested.The Belgian has been used sparingly in the earlier stages of the competition, but the Blues are now within touching distance of silverware. Chelsea’s opponents are not to be underestimated – Eintracht currently sit fourth in the Bundesliga and eliminated Portuguese giants Benfica en route to the semis.Instead, Willian and Pedro start on the wings with Olivier Giroud up front rather than Gonzalo Higuain.The last time Sarri decided he could cope without Hazard was at Cardiff.

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A hapless Chelsea side fell a goal down before the Belgian’s eventual introduction, and ended up 2-1 victors thanks in part to a controversial equaliser from Cesar Azpilicueta,Some fans are already predicting a rescue job from Hazard at the Commerzbank-Arena.

NO HAZARDSARRI OUT!ENOUGH!— #CarefreeDaily – Cult leader (@EmenaIo) May 2, 2019

Has Hazard already gone to Madrid or have I missed something?— Dale Butler (@Dalemalefice) May 2, 2019

Hazard not starting against Frankfurt Chelsea Fans: pic.twitter.com/HyIFLTHkqZ— Josh (@DelaneyCFC) May 2, 2019

Hazard had to play. https://t.co/NTrc4Pf0mG— S (@SmithSchuster_) May 2, 2019

how are we not playing Hazard in a Europa league semi final— Spike (@SpikeAitch) May 2, 2019

Sarri, why's hazard on the bench in a semi final match?— consigliere (@oewonah) May 2, 2019

Hazard benched, lmaoooo. Congrats @eintracht_eng for the win. pic.twitter.com/9tFG0aevAS— Tapan (@_RMTAP) May 2, 2019

No Hazard!!! Not like its an important game — Kyle Mann (@K23Mann) May 2, 2019

Let's see what time Hazard comes on to rescue the team after a terrible first half display??— Marc Heather (@Marcheatherpsv3) May 2, 2019

Why are we resting Hazard? — Olumide Afolami (@MisterFolami) May 2, 2019

Hazard on the bench is making me sweat— . (@DaveTweets__) May 2, 2019

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