Chelsea will rest Eden Hazard tomorrow but warn Spurs that Pedro and Giroud will be back for Carabao Cup semi-final
As they begin their FA Cup title defence, Chelsea plan to rest some of their big names but they are hopeful that they'll be fighting fit for their trip to Wembley next week
CHELSEA will be without Eden Hazard and Olivier Giroud as they begin their FA Cup title defence, but they've warned Spurs that they'll be back for their mid-week meeting.
The Blues have a growing list of injuries and know they cannot underestimate Nottingham Forest, but they are keen to ensure that players do not rush back from injury too soon.
Chelsea host Nottingham Forest tomorrow in the third round of the FA Cup, but some of their big names will be rested and back in action for their mid-week match at Wembley.
Willian was forced off with a calf injury during Chelsea's goalless draw with Southampton, he'll sit out tomorrow's fixture, but Sarri has been at pains to say that it's not a serious injury.
Gianfranco Zola reiterated his sentiments at a press conference this afternoon, he said: "The doctor hasn't told us, but I don't think it is as bad. When it's a muscle problem you get scared, but I don't think it is too big.
"I think we might get Pedro and Giroud back for Tottenham."
Zola acknowledged that Eden Hazard had been in fine form of late, but the club want to ensure that their Belgian star doesn't burn out thanks to their busy schedule.
He said: "Eden has been fantastic and influential, but I believe tomorrow he might need to get a little rest."
The assistant coach noted that they wanted their big hitters back for the Carabao Cup semi-final with Tottenham on Tuesday, but the injuries meant they could give other members of their squad more game time.
Zola said: ""It is a pity the game comes where we have played so many games. You have to try to save some players.
"We have some players who cannot play, like Pedro, Willian and Giroud. It will leave space for others. We will rotate a little.
"We are trying to establish ourselves in this championship and we want to do well in the FA Cup."
Chelsea have a good track record against Forest, having beaten them in all three of their FA Cup clashes, in 1933-34, 1990-00 and 2006-007, and want to include some of their up-and coming stars this weekend.
The assistant coach touched on Callum Hudson-Odoi's future as the youngster has caught the eye of Bayern Munich.
Zola was hopeful that he would stay at Stamford Bridge and break into the first team.
He said: "Callum is back in full training, he is certainly available and I would very much like it if he could play [tomorrow].
"I know Bayern are interested in him, but we are as well.
"We have had a contract with him for a while and we will see what the player wants. He has not played what he wanted. He will be a very good thing in football. I understand he has requests but I believe that he has a bright future.
"For 18 years old, he has a lot of potential.I believe we can help him and I believe he has a future in this club."