Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has admitted that he has "no explanation" as to why Eden Hazard was taken off during the Blues' 2-1 defeat to Manchester United last weekend.

Hazard was taken off after 70 minutes at Old Trafford, with Antonio Conte reporting after the match that the Belgian international was low on energy.

Courtois, however, told The Mirror that his teammate should have stayed on the pitch in Sunday's defeat.

"I have no explanation for the sub of Hazard," the 25-year-old said. "I had not expected him to take him off but it is a choice of the manager. [Conte] must explain. I can't look into his head.

"Players like Eden should have 90 minutes on the pitch. He can always bring something extra offensive."

Chelsea return to action with a Premier League tie against leaders Manchester City on Sunday.