Antonio Conte has confirmed that Eden Hazard will start for Chelsea in the Carabao Cup tie with Nottingham Forest tomorrow evening, reports the Daily Star.  

Hazard has not yet featured in a starting XI for Chelsea this season as he recovers from injury, with his three appearances so far coming as a substitute.

However, Conte has confirmed that the Belgium international is ready to make his first start of the season for Chelsea, when they take on Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge, he said: “I think for Eden now is the right moment to start the game and try to play the whole game.

"I hope to be with him at the final step for the injury.

"I think we have managed very well his situation and in my career I was injured a lot of times and I have a bit of experience about this situation.

"We are managing the situation very well and he is ready to start."

Forest face their sternest test in the Carabao Cup so far when they travel to London on Wednesday evening.

Mark Warburton’s side beat Shrewsbury Town in the first round, before putting in an impressive display to claim the Premier League scalp of Newcastle United in the second round, winning 3-2 at St James’ Park.

However, since that victory over Newcastle, Forest’s form has significantly dipped in the Sky Bet Championship, with Warburton’s side struggling to maintain their early season consistency.

Forest have won just once in their last four outings, slipping to 10^th in the Championship table and three points outside the play-off zone.

The Verdict

Forest face a difficult task heading to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and that task has been made even more difficult by Conte’s decision to hand Hazard an opportunity in the starting XI.

Hazard is one of the Premier League’s best and stopping him on Wednesday night will be difficult for Forest.

However, Warburton’s side were impressive in the previous round against Newcastle, and despite struggling in the Championship since then, he will be confident his Forest side have what it takes to put in a competitive performance against Premier League opposition.

Nottingham Forest fans… Let us know your thoughts!