Eden Hazard admits Chelsea’s absence from the Champions League is taking its toll on the club.
The Blues are in a four-way fight for the final two spots in the Premier League’s top four, while they can also earn a place in Europe’s main club competition if they win the Europa League.
Chelsea are at Slavia Prague on Thursday for the first leg of their quarter-final and are third in the Premier League, three points above fifth-placed Arsenal, who have a game in hand.
Hazard, a target for Real Madrid, said: “Two years in a row not playing Champions League is hard for the players but also for the club.
"Chelsea have to play in the Champions League every year, but it’s hard because we’re not the only team trying to qualify.
“But that’s why we are doing everything to try and stay in the top four.”
