Eden Hazard fit to face Arsenal but Ross Barkley must wait for Chelsea debut, reveals Antonio Conte

Hazard had a minor injury which caused him to miss the 0-0 draw with Norwich on the weekend

Hazard is expected to be fit for Wednesday night (Getty Images)

Antonio Conte says Eden Hazard is fit to play against Arsenal in Wednesday’s EFL Cup semi-final first leg, but it is too “soon” for new signing Ross Barkley.

Hazard missed Saturday’s FA Cup third-round 0-0 at Norwich City with a minor injury but is due to return for the game at Stamford Bridge.

“Eden is fit, in a good physical condition,” Conte said ahead of the game. “He has a little problem in his calf, he's ready and in contention for tomorrow.”

Barkley signed from Everton for £15m on Friday but, having been injured for most of the season, still isn’t ready to appear for Chelsea.

“Tomorrow night I think is very soon, very soon for him,” Conte said. “But we must be pleased because his physical condition is good, and he has started to train with us, understand our football. I think that we must be pleased, but he needs a bit of time to work on the physical and tactical aspects. His condition is good, very good.”

Asked when Barkley might appear, Conte said: “I don't know, it's very difficult to say now. But at the same time I'm very positive, because the player is a good guy, he's shown great will to work, great desire to help us very soon. And I think it's very, very positive. I'm very happy to have Ross with us for the rest of the season.”