Chelsea winger Eden Hazard will miss his side's visit of Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night through injury, according tothe Guardian.
The Belgian international picked up a knock in the Blues 1-0 win over West Brom last weekend and was replaced by Branislav Ivanovic late in the game.
Eden Hazard has not travelled with the Chelsea squad to Sunderland. He has a knock from WBA game. Willian likely to replace him tonight #cfc
Hazard has stayed in Cobham to receive treatment, so will play no part as Chelsea go to Sunderland looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points.
He has been a standout performer since Antonio Conte's arrival at the club, seemingly reinvigorated after a disappointingly underwhelming 2015/16 campaign.
The seriousness of his injury isn't clear, although Conte is said to be conscious of Chelsea's busy schedule during the festive period, and doesn't want to take any unnecessary risks.
The Blues now have a run of five games in just 22 days, which includes a trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Chelsea fans will be eager to see Hazard - who has scored eight Premier League goals in 15 gamesso far this season -make a return to the squad for that game.
The 25-year-old has thrived since Conte's change to a 3-4-3 systemas part of an attacking trio alongside Diego Costa and Pedro.
Chelsea will still be strong favourites to record their tenth successive Premier League win againstDavid Moyes' Sunderland, however.