Back to the Premier League Newsfeed

'I prefer this solution' - Sarri confirms Hazard as first-choice striker to leave Morata future bleak

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri looks set to persist with Eden Hazard in a false nine role as the uncertainty over the future of Alvaro Morata grows.

The Spaniard has not been included in his team's squad for their last four Premier League games, with that streak set to continue against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Hazard has been deployed as a centre-forward in the absence of a more reliable option, and has scored three times in those four appearances.

Sarri has been so encouraged by the Belgian's displays that he feels he is starting to mirror Morata's best attributes - casting doubt over the Spaniard's long-term prospects.