Hazard can get back to his best – Hiddink

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink has predicted that Eden Hazard will rediscover the form of last season once he shakes off lingering injuries.

The Belgian has been ruled out of Wednesday’s home game against West Brom with a groin problem and recently had a hip injury.

Hazard has yet to score in the Premier League this season, and has been credited with just two assists – a world away from his 14 goals and nine assists as Chelsea won the title last year.

But Hiddink believes Hazard will eventually get back to his best.

He said: “This season Eden has had mostly physical problems.

“If you see the freshness of the very top players, playing like a youngster, that’s what we are aiming for with him.

“He has to get rid of his physical problems and then automatically he will come into his normal shape of play.”

Hiddink has also promised that Ruben Loftus-Cheek will get more chances at first-team level.

The 19-year-old midfielder scored after coming on as a substitute in Sunday’s FA Cup win against Scunthorpe.

Hiddink explained: “When I came in the first day and I had not seen when they were born, I thought he was 22 or 23 already – he’s a big guy, he acts maturely. But he said ‘oh I’m 19’.

“He has still a lot to learn, [must] get his experience, but whenever it’s possible he will get his minutes. I think it’s good for him, and for the club, to have a homegrown player.”