Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has confirmed that both Eden Hazard and Tiemoue Bakayoko will miss this weekend's Community Shield game against Arsenal.
Hazard is currently recovering from an ankle injury and will not only sit out of the traditional season curtain-raiser but is also likely to miss the opening game of the Premier League season at home to Burnley a week later.
Bakayoko, meanwhile - a £40m summer signing from AS Monaco - is still on the mend following surgery on a minor knee injury and has already missed the Blues' pre-season tour of the Far East.
"They are working hard to recover but they are not available for tomorrow's game," Conte told reporters today. "We have to wait and be patient. They are improving a lot and are recovering well from their injuries but they are not still ready to start the season.
"Eden has an ankle problem. After surgery it's important to respect the right time to recover and the same with Bakayoko. He had surgery in his knee but we are hoping to recover very well. The work is going very well."
Conte went on to reveal that he is yet to decide whether to include another new signing, Alvaro Morata, in the match as he looks to work his way back to full fitness.
"I have another day to make the best decision," he added. "Alvaro is working very well and he's trying to reach the best physical condition and to understand our idea of football. He needs a bit more time."
The game at Wembley kicks off at 2pm on Sunday.
