Chelsea has been dealt with a blow as their star player for this season Eden Hazard will not feature against BATE in the Europa League due to a back problem that could also force him to miss Sunday's Premier League clash with Burnley.
The Belgium international has been in scintillating form this season, scoring eight goals already, but coach Maurizio Sarri will have to do without the 27-year-old on Thursday when Chelsea host BATE looking to make it three Europa League wins from three.
He also fears Hazard could miss the trip to Turf Moor to take on Burnley at the weekend.
"Tomorrow [he] is out for sure," Sarri told a news conference on Wednesday. "He has a back problem and we are trying to solve the problem for Sunday. It's not very easy."
Hazard has been in great form this season despite his exertions last summer in leading Belgium to third place at the World Cup.
The 27-year-old is the club's top scorer with eight goals in all competitions, seven of them coming from his 11 Premier League appearances this season.
With Ethan Ampadu also ruled out with a knee injury and Jorginho rested, Sarri will look to make more changes with one eye on Sunday's trip to Turf Moor.
"For sure Jorginho (will be rested) and then I don't know," Sarri said.
"The problem will not be this match, it will be the next match after 65 hours. We have to be careful I think, so maybe five, six (changes)."
Sarri also said he wants to give Marco Ianni "another opportunity" after confirming the club will accept the FA charge handed to the assistant coach.
Ianni celebrated in front of the Manchester United bench at Stamford Bridge on Saturday following Ross Barkley's 96th-minute equaliser.

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