Antonio Conte demands Eden Hazard bulk up so that he can keep hold of the ball better

ANTONIO CONTE has ordered Eden Hazard to bulk up so he can keep hold of the ball better.

The Chelsea playmaker – who stands 5ft 8ins and weighs 11st 9lb – has been pumping iron in the gym every day since last month.

Conte wants Hazard to pack on the pounds because he reckons he gets bullied out of possession too easily, according to the Times.

The Italian’s instructions to the former PFA Player of the Year are in stark contrast to the rest of the squad.

Conte has banned pizza and tomato ketchup in a bid to make his players lose weight.

That paid dividends in Chelsea’s first game under the ex-Italy boss – a 2-1 win over West Ham on Monday.

Hazard, 25, bagged the penalty that gave the Blues the lead and looked sharp and lively throughout – in short a total contrast to last season.

Then, the former double player of the year scored just four league goals and admitted he felt responsible for Jose Mourinho’s sacking.

Conte does not appear to have set out an ideal weight for Hazard, who in relation to other Premier League players of the same height is not the smallest.

Crystal Palace’s Yohan Cabaye and Jason Puncheon both weigh less while Stoke’s Bojan comes in lightest at 10st 3lb.