The Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern are eager for Eden Hazard to return to action…
The winger has yet to feature for the Blues this season, having suffered an injury at the tail end of last season, and that has left Chelesa short in the attack.
Fortunately, though, he appears to be edging closer to a return – having featured for his native Belgium over the last few weeks during the international break.
That doesn’t mean that he’s ready for a Premier League berth, though, at least according to the Evening Standard. Simon Johnson of the Standard writes that Antonio Conte is concerned about the prospect of rushing Hazard back to action – and so his game time could be limited as a result.
A role from the start against Leicester City this weekend is, resultantly, unlikely – whilst a desire for him to be fully fit to face Man City and Arsenal later in the month could see him feature sparingly until that point. Significantly, a start against Qarabag next week is suggested as a realistic return date.
It must be noted that whilst Hazard featured for his country, a lack of pre-season action suggests that he will be far behind the fitness levels of his team mates, and this is important to recognise.
A slow return to the first team is just what he needs.
Landlord’s Verdict
It wouldn’t make sense to rush Hazard back, especially given that both Pedro and Willian have done well in his absence.
Perhaps a starting role against Qarabag makes sense, with a 60-70 minute outing probably the best course of action for the Belgian.
Thereafter, with Arsenal and Man City on the horizon, he could look work up to his first 90 minutes of the season. Against Leicester this weekend, though, that is very unlikely.
Chelsea fans – thoughts?
Let us know below!
