Chelsea team news: Eden Hazard OUT of Blues trip to Stadium of Light as Premier League’s top side have chance to extend lead
EDEN HAZARD will MISS Chelsea's Premier League clash in Sunderland tonight after being left at home while the squad travelled north.
The 25-year-old sustained a knock during the Blues' 1-0 win over West Brom on Sunday.
Hazard was replaced late on by Branislav Ivanovic after 79 minutes of the narrow victory over Tony Pulis' dogged Baggies.
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He hit the deck clutching his lower right leg after a hefty challenge from Gareth McAuley.
High-fliers Chelsea are bidding for their tenth consecutive Premier League victory against David Moyes' Sunderland tonight - and they will have to do so without their star player.
Hazard has been a class act for the Blues this season, after a thoroughly disappointing campaign under Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink last term.
The Belgian has netted eight times this season, a huge improvement on the last campaign, and has thrived under Conte's switch to 3-4-3, playing left wing forward, while Diego Costa has been the lone striker.
Willian is likely to come in in Hazard's stead after being relegated to the bench this season.
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Conte has - as SunSport revealed today - been giving player a cheeky beer in the minutes after their matches.
And the Blues have showed plenty of bottle, at the head of the table with nine wins on the spin under their belts.
Conte said: "After the game, for rehydration, you can drink Coca-Cola, one beer.
"It's good for recovery. But one. Not a lot.
"It's good after you finish the game, quickly, not an hour after the end.
But Conte also warned his players not to go out on the town with their pals, but to have a quiet night in with their families when it comes to the traditionally boozy festive season.
He added: "I'd prefer that they stayed at home and celebrated with the family.
"Not a great party, on the 26th we play.
"We're preparing to celebrate with our families during the week before Christmas, to stay together with our children."