Hazard asks to delay return to Chelsea

Eden Hazard has sought permission from Maurizio Sarri to report for duty at Chelsea a day later than scheduled.

Hazard, who featured for semi-finalists Belgium at the World Cup, will not be involved in Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Manchester City at Wembley.

Blues boss Sarri spoke with the player on Thursday, but there was no discussion on the future of Hazard, who continues to be linked with Real Madrid.

“We didn’t talk about this,” Sarri said. “We talked only about ‘can I arrive on Monday instead of Sunday?’

“In this moment there is no problem for Hazard.”

Sarri did not say if permission had been granted, but he has made it clear that he is keen to keep the likes of Hazard and Willian at Stamford Bridge despite speculation over their futures.