Eden Hazard could miss start of Chelsea's Premier League title defence after fractured ankle
The playmaker picked up the injury while preparing for Belgium's upcoming World Cup qualifier
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Eden Hazard may miss the beginning of Chelsea’s title defence next season after fracturing his right ankle.
The Chelsea forward picked up the injury while training with the Belgium national team on Sunday as they prepared for their World Cup qualifier in Estonia on Friday.
He was also due to take on Czech Republic in an international friendly on Monday night.
No timeframe has been put on the injury but it is expected that it will take Hazard around eight weeks before he can play again, thus ruling him out of Chelsea’s entire preseason and leaving him touch-and-go for starting next season’s campaign.
The 2017/18 campaign starts in less than 10 weeks on August 12 - but three weeks before that there are pre-season games against Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in Singapore from July 22-29, then the Community Shield against the Gunners on August 6.
A tweet from the Belgian national team read: “Medical imaging showed that hazardeden10 has a fracture in his right ankle #belcze #estbel #roadtorussia.”
Earlier on Sunday the Hazard had said he would be happy to stay at Stamford Bridge - but admitted an approach from Real Madrid would be considered.
Asked if he would like to see an offer, the 26-year-old, who has three years left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, told the Het Laatste Nieuws newspaper: “Of course, that's all.
“We all dream. It could be Spain, it could be staying with Chelsea.
“I think I can stay with Chelsea for many years, but it's not something I'm thinking about right now. We'll see.
“Previously we talked about PSG (Paris St Germain), now about (Real) Madrid, next year it will be a different club.
“In football you never know, but at the moment it's not in my mind. I'm a Chelsea player, I have another contract for three years. We'll see.”
Asked if he watched Real's Champions League win against Juventus, Hazard continued: “Yes, but if I ever wanted to go to Real, I could get there (and be) on the bench. I want the best solution for myself.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments