Eden Hazard has given Chelsea a fresh injury concern after hurting his back in Chelsea’s draw with Manchester United on Saturday, according to reports. The Belgian had little opportunity to affect the match with Ashley Young Marshalling him well, though United were sometimes a little heavy-handed with their marking as Hazard was fouled five times – more than any other player on the pitch. Young and Nemanja Matic both received yellow cards for fouls on the Premier League’s top scorer, who went down in agony several times.
He required treatment after hurting his ankle, but it has been reported that it is a back problem that did not manifest itself fully until Sunday morning that has caused concern. Hazard woke up with restricted movement, while he told friends straight after the match that he felt he could not accelerate properly in the second half.
The issue is not thought to be serious, but Chelsea do not want to take any chances and he is now expected to be rested for the club’s Europa League clash with BATE Borisov. A few days later Chelsea take on Burnley in the Premier League, and Hazard is now also a doubt for that match.
Hazard has been electric under new boss Maurizio Sarri so far this season, leading the Premier League’s scoring charts with seven goals in nine games. A prolonged absence would be a huge blow to Sarri, especially with Alvaro Morata once again struggling as Chelsea grabbed a last-gasp draw against United thanks to Ross Barkley’s late equaliser.