Chelsea star Eden Hazard has dismissed fears that he could miss this weekend’s crucial match against Tottenham Hotspur after suffering an injury while on international duty with Belgium. Hazard was set to play only the final 20 minutes of the international friendly against Ivory Coast. However, he suffered an injury almost immediately after coming on as a substitute. Belgium boss Marc Wilmots said after the encounter that the 23-year-old suffered a swollen knee as a result of the knock he received. Since then, his participation in the upcoming league match against Tottenham has been a major doubt.
Hazard, though, has cleared up the fears by confirming that he is set to play against Spurs. Tottenham are chasing a top four spot and this is one of the tough matches remaining in Chelsea’s calendar this campaign. Out of the clubs chasing the title, Chelsea have a far easier run-in with only matches against Tottenham, Arsenal, and Liverpool to fear. Apart from it, they face teams from the bottom half of the table. As one of the important members of the team, Hazard’s presence is extremely vital for Jose Mourinho’s men.
He has played in every Premier league till date. Ahead of the international friendly with Ivory Coast, Hazard stated that he was in need of rest.
“It hurt, but I think I can play this weekend. After 20 seconds I got a kick. A nice welcome, but I’m not worried about the injury,” said the 23-year-old superstar after the match. “His boot was damaged, but Eden hasn’t twisted his ankle,” said Belgium’s national team manager.
“I’m not that tired. In the first half against Fulham I felt it a bit, but in the second I found my flow back. I don’t need that much rest, I’m at my best when I can play a lot of games. But I’ve to be careful that I don’t burn myself,” said Hazard prior to the match.