Benitez hoping injured Hazard will be fit for ‘final’ against Spurs

Chelsea are hopeful Eden Hazard will be fit to face Tottenham after the Belgian missed their win against Manchester United with a calf problem.

The Blues’ 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, where Juan Mata scored their 87th-minute winner, lifted them up to third and means three points at home to fifth-placed Spurs on Wednesday would all but seal a Champions League place for next season.

And Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez believes Hazard, who missed out against United, could well be fit for what is sure to be a feisty derby.

Benitez explained: “’He could be available. The physios are working with him and he could be fit.

“He had a problem with his calf. He trained yesterday and we thought he was fine, but we didn’t want to take a risk with him.”

And the Spaniard expects an intense battle against a Tottenham team who need to win at Stamford Bridge in order to rescue their hopes of a top-four finish.

“If we can win we will be there, but Tottenham are a good team and it will be a final for the top four,” said Benitez.

“Winning is crucial for us. It’s even more important for them, so there will be a great atmosphere.

“We will try to win because we know it will guarantee a top-four finish. I don’t see more or less pressure for either team – I know we just need to win.”

Reflecting on his side’s triumph against the Premier League champions, Benitez declared: “It was a massive win and when the goal came it was a massive step forward for us.

“This game was difficult and important for us and Wednesday will be even more important.”

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