Hazard fears allayed but Loftus-Cheek nurses hamstring injury

Fears Eden Hazard suffered an injury while on international duty have been allayed, but Ruben Loftus-Cheek is back at Chelsea receiving treatment for a hamstring problem.

Blues star Hazard scored for Belgium in an 8-1 thrashing of Estonia but went off on 72 minutes after taking a knock to his ankle.

That sparked fears that he could be facing a spell on the sidelines.

But Belgium boss Roberto Martinez insisted after the match that there was no cause for concern.

Former Everton manager Martinez has been quoted by Belgian media as saying: “It’s not an injury. He received a blow to the ankle but he is not hurt.”

Hazard is therefore expected to be available for Chelsea’s Premier League match away to Middlesbrough on Sunday afternoon.

The news is a boost for the Blues as Hazard has been in superb form for them this season.

However, Chelsea midfielder Loftus-Cheek was forced to withdraw from England’s Under-21 squad.

Loftus-Cheek missed a recent match against Italy and it was hoped he would make a quick return to action – he was tipped to play in the number 10 role in a game against France.

The 20-year-old has instead returned to London for treatment and his condition is being assessed.