NEWS NEWS BLOG SPORT brings you all the latest news from Stamford Bridge.
 |
| Ake (centre) won't face Chelsea but Hazard (right) could play, while the Blues eye Vardy |
Watford's Nathan Ake is ineligible to face Chelsea in their Premier League clash on Boxing Day (3pm).
Ake, 20, is on a season-long loan at Watford from English champions Chelsea.
The defender, who has made 13 appearances for Watford this season, scored his first goal for their Hornets in their 3-0 win over Liverpool last weekend.
His loan from Chelsea means he cannot play against his parent club, with Ikechi Anya set to take his place.
Defenders Tommie Hoban (groin) and Joel Ekstrand (knee) remain sidelined for Watford through injury.
As for Chelsea, they could welcome back Eden Hazard after the player missed their 3-1 win over Sunderland with a hip injury.
"He is a key player as captain of the national team in Belgium - but also here when he gets back into shape," interim boss Guus Hiddink said of Hazard.
"He was unlucky to be injured recently, which was another setback.
"We need to get the ego back for him to perform."
In transfer news, Kurt Zouma may struggle to leave the club on loan in January unless Chelsea offer to pay part of his wages.
Zouma, 21, has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in order to regain his form.
The centre-back is reportedly wanted by Italian club Lazio, while Napoli and Fiorentina are also said to be keen.
Lazio are willing to pay Chelsea £740,000 up front to loan the France international.
But Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport claim they are unable to cover Zouma's full wages - thought to be £40,000 a week - and that could scupper the deal unless Chelsea offer to help out.
Hiddink has reportedly been given the green light to sign strikers in January, with Leicester's Jamie Vardy reportedly top of his wish list.
The Daily Mirror claim owner Roman Abramovich will back caretaker boss Hiddink in the transfer market.
It is claimed in-form forward Vardy, who boasts 15 goals for the season, will be targeted when the window opens next month.
Leicester are determined to retain their biggest stars as they mount an unlikely challenge for the Premier League title.
The Foxes sit top of the league heading into their Boxing Day clash at Liverpool, with Chelsea hosting Watford at Stamford Bridge.
Post a Comment Blogger Facebook Disqus