Boss Sarri backs Morata to come good

Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri insists he has no concerns over the form of Alvaro Morata and expects the Spain striker to find confidence and goals.

Morata scored eight goals in eight competitive appearances at the start of last season, but his form has dipped alarmingly since.

The 25-year-old has one Premier League goal in 15 appearances in the competition in 2018, plus two in the FA Cup.

“I am not worried about Morata. Morata is a very good player,” said Sarri, speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.

“I think in this moment he needs only to gain confidence. But he’s a great player.

“He needs to gain confidence. But he’s improving. I’m not really worried about him.

“He needs to score. As do all strikers in the world, I think.”

Sarri also once again shrugged off speculation over the future of Eden Hazard.

Hazard has two years remaining on his Chelsea contract and has been continually linked with a move to Real Madrid.

The Spanish transfer window is open until August 31 and Sarri repeated his belief, stated prior to the opening-day win at Huddersfield, that Hazard will remain at Chelsea this season.

“I have spoken with him very often in the last 10 days,” Sarri added.

“He has never said to me anything about this. I am sure Eden will be with us for this season.”