Chelsea Confirmed Lineup vs Slavia Praha: Giroud, Kovacic return; Hazard on the bench

Eden Hazard is on the bench, with Maurizio Sarri making seven changes to his most recent side as Chelsea prepare to take on Slavia Praha at the Eden Arena.

Kepa Arrizabalaga keeps his place in the Chelsea goal, with Willy Caballero his backup. The shuffles begin in defence, with Andreas Christensen replacing David Luiz in the central defensive unit, where Antonio Rudiger is his partner. While Cesar Azpilicueta keeps his place at right-back, Marcos Alonso comes in on the opposite flank.

In midfield, Mateo Kovacic and Ross Barkley are the two players back in the side, with N’Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek dropping to the bench. Jorginho keeps his place as the deepest of the three midfielders, and will orchestrate play for Chelsea.

Up ahead in attack, the big news is that Eden Hazard does not start, with Maurizio Sarri hoping to hand him a rest if Chelsea are comfortable on the night. Hazard is replaced by Willian, while Pedro lines up on the right side of the attack, with Olivier Giroud leading the line. Gonzalo Higuain and Callum Hudson-Odoi are thus, options on the bench for Sarri.