Football Premier League Premier League Chelsea's World Cup stars unlikely to face Huddersfield - Sarri N'Golo Kante, Olivier Giroud and Eden Hazard could all sit out Chelsea's first Premier League game of the season, Maurizio Sarri has hinted. Jamie Smith 08 August, 2018 08:55 IST Chelsea and Belgium star Eden Hazard - Getty Images Jamie Smith 08 August, 2018 08:55 IST Maurizio Sarri is unlikely to select Chelsea's World Cup stars for his first Premier League game in charge away to Huddersfield Town on Saturday.World Cup winners N'Golo Kante and Olivier Giroud have spent little time working with the new head coach, who succeeded fellow Italian Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge.Star winger Eden Hazard is another key man to have played little part in pre-season, having been given time off after he inspired Belgium to reach the semifinals at Russia 2018.READ: Sarri: I don't know anything about Chelsea buying KepaSarri, also, has a question mark hanging over Hazard's Belgium teammate Thibaut Courtois, who reportedly skipped training this week as the goalkeeper seemingly tries to force a move to Real Madrid.Kante, Giroud and Hazard came off the bench in the second half of a 0-0 draw against Lyon in the International Champions Cup on Tuesday, but Sarri feels it is too soon for them to play a competitive game."They arrived yesterday or the day before," Sarri told reporters after Chelsea beat Lyon 5-4 on penalties, Hazard scoring the winning spot-kick after Rob Green denied Pape Diop.ALSO READ: Chelsea 0 Lyon 0 (5-4 on penalties): Green's save allows Hazard to win ICC clash"It was better for them to play 25 minutes than to have a training session alone with the physical coach. They have to work, obviously.""I'm very happy. I can work with all my players for the first time tomorrow, so we have only three days to prepare for the next match. And, the next match will be very important. Very, very, very important."Asked directly if it would be difficult for the trio to face Huddersfield, Sarri said: "Yes, I think so. Especially all together." While Kante is a doubt to play in Saturday's Premier League opener after helping Les Bleus to win the World Cup, Ruben Loftus-Cheek shone in midfield.ALSO READ: Liverpool 3 Torino 1: Firmino, Wijnaldum and Sturridge on target for RedsHazard has called for the England international to be given more opportunities at Chelsea and Sarri is excited by the 22-year-old's potential."He's potentially a great player. He has to improve from the tactical point of view. But, I think that's not a problem. He's very young. I think he can be a very beautiful player for us," Sarri said.Chelsea is not known for showing patience with managers, but Sarri feels it will take time for his plan to come together. "I think that we have to work. But, we started to work, to work two days ago. But, I think, potentially, we can become in two or three months a very good team," Sarri added. Read more stories on Premier League. For more updates, follow Sportstar on :
England Premier League EPL Soccer Football Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup FIFA World Cup 2018 2018 world cup World Cup