As featured on NewsNow: Football news

​Bakayoko and Hazard to miss opening Chelsea game

Antonio Conte has confirmed new Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko will not feature in the Community Shield nor the club's Premier League opener against Burnley as he continues to recover from knee surgery, reports the London Evening Standard.

Speaking about Bakayoko's fitness as well as the latest on Eden Hazard - who had surgery on his ankle earlier in the summer - Conte said: "They are working hard to recover but they are not available for tomorrow's game."

When then asked whether Bakayoko could feature against Burnley next weekend, Conte replied: "We have to wait and be patient. They are improving a lot and are recovering well from their injuries but they are not still ready to start the season.

"Eden has an ankle problem. After surgery it's important to respect the right time to recover and the same with Bakayoko. He had surgery in his knee but we are hoping to recover very well. The work is going very well.

Video of the day:

Ian Ferris
About the author

Ian Ferris

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free