Eden Hazard said he is feeling fatigued after his exertions at the FIFA World Cup in the summer, but he is still happy to be playing for Chelsea.
Hazard helped Belgium finish third in Russia and was asked if he was suffering from a hangover because of his involvement in the tournament.
“Believe me, I am tired!” he said, per TalkSport’s Sean O’Brien. “But I think I’m in good condition to play. Last year I got an injury with my ankle for three months. So that’s why I’m fresh now. And when you are happy on the pitch you can try some things. I’m just enjoying myself.”
He added: “For the last seven years with Chelsea, I have always enjoyed myself. When I am on the pitch I try to give happiness, first to me and then to the fans who are watching the game. At the moment, we are doing well and that’s why I am doing well. So I am happy to play at the moment.”
Despite the World Cup limiting his rest time over the summer, the winger has enjoyed a fine start to the season, notching eight goals and four assists in 14 matches.
His form has gone off the boil since suffering a back injury, though, per Goal’s Nizaar Kinsella:
Hazard has gone six games without a goal for club and country. He only hadn’t scored in four other games this season before his injury.
On Sunday, the Belgian played 90 minutes as Chelsea drew 0-0 at home to Everton. It was the first time he has completed a match since the Blues’ 2-2 draw with Manchester United on October 20.
Simon Johnson of the Evening Standard felt Hazard looked unfit against the Toffees:
Hazard suffered the back problem after some robust treatment in the United game. Between his injury and going deep at the World Cup, it does all seem to be taking its toll on the 27-year-old.
He’s vital to Chelsea’s ambitions, so he could use a spell on the sidelines to regain his fitness ahead of the busy festive period.
However, he’s unlikely to get that during the international break after being selected by Belgium, who have competitive UEFA Nations League fixtures with Iceland and Switzerland.
The Blues will have to hope the Red Devils take comfortable early leads in those matches, or else Hazard could find himself with another 180 minutes on his legs.