Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has warned his players to be prepared for a tough game when the Blues take on BATE Borisov in Thursday’s UEFA Europa League clash without some key players, reports Completesportsnigeria.com.
Sarri’s team have won their opening two games in Group H against PAOK and MOL Vidi but they will be without their talisman, Eden Hazard who misses out due to a back injury he sustained in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United last Saturday.
The Blues will also be without Jorginho, Ethan Ampadu for the clash and it remains to be seen if Victor Moses will make his eight appearance in the competition.
Moses played the entire duration of Chelsea 1-0 win over Mol Vidi but has since been left out of the Chelsea squad for their last four games.
“These two matches in Europe have been difficult. They’ve not been easy. We have to prepare our minds to play another difficult match because this opponent during the season has lost only four times I think. I think it will be very difficult as this season they’ve done better away from home,” Sarri revealed in his press conference ahead of his side’s clash against BATE Borisov.
“No. He’s (Hazard) out for sure. He’s got a back problem. We’re trying to solve the problem for Sunday. It’s not very easy.
“The other one out is Ampadu with the knee. Christensen will be on the pitch. I don’t know about Odoi, but Loftus maybe.
“For sure Jorginho. I need to think very well as the problem is the next match after 65 hours. We have to be careful. Maybe five or six.”
The Italian also expressed his delight that Marcos Alonso extended his stay at the club.
Alonso signed a new five year deal at the club on Wednesday.
“I’m very happy for him. I think that he can be the best left-back in Europe. I think he needs to improve in the defensive phase as he played in a five, now he plays in a four. If he can improve I think he will be the best left-back in Europe.”