Eden Hazard ruled out for Belgium


Eden Hazard could miss Chelsea's Premier League match with Crystal Palace on April 1 after Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez revealed the midfielder will be on the sidelines for the next 10 to 15 days with a calf injury.

Hazard did not feature for Chelsea in their 2-1 victory over Stoke at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday after pulling up in training with the injury 24 hours earlier.

The 26-year-old will miss Belgium's World Cup qualifier against Greece on Saturday and the friendly with Russia on Tuesday as a result and Martinez confirmed his captain would continue to be assessed by the medical staff of both the national team and Chelsea

Chelsea, who are currently 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League, welcome Crystal Palace to Stamford Bridge in 12 days time.

"Eden has suffered an injury before the match against Stoke, it does not look so serious," Martinez said. 

"But he will not play against Greece. We are going to follow the injury.

"It is a big disappointment for Eden that he cannot lead the team. If you want to be a good team, you have to absorb everything.

"This is a good test for us. I see enough players who can take over his role." 

Like what you've read?

MOST READ FOOTBALL

Sporting Life
Join for free!
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Race Replays
My stable horse tracker
giftOffers and prize draws
newsExclusive content

FOOTBALL TIPS

We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo