Brussels (AFP) – Chelsea winger Eden Hazard will make his first appearance of the season in Belgium’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Gibraltar on Thursday after recovering from a fractured ankle.
The 26-year-old has been out of first-team action since the start of June, but did play 74 minutes for the Chelsea under-23 side last week.
“It’s been three weeks since I rejoined the squad at Chelsea. I haven’t played an official match yet but I’m fine, I can’t wait to play,” Belgium captain Hazard told a press conference on Wednesday.
“I don’t know if I’m going to start the match, but I’m ready, I want to start.”
The match against minnows Gibraltar, who Belgium brushed aside 6-0 in the away game, should provide the perfect opportunity for Hazard to ease his way back into the fray.
“With all the respect I have for Gibraltar, we have to win,” he added.
“We are confident. We will try to score as many goals as we can to make the public happy.”
Roberto Martinez’s Belgium lead Group H by four points and could secure their place for next year’s finals in Russia when they visit second-placed Greece on Sunday.
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