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| Guus Hiddink (left) says Eden Hazard is back in training following a hip injury |
GUUS HIDDINK says Eden Hazard will return to his best at Chelsea as the player steps up his recovery from a hip injury.
Hazard, 24, has endured a torrid season at Stamford Bridge after winning the PFA player of the year award last term.
He hobbled off after half an hour of Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Leicester last week - a defeat that cost Jose Mourinho his job as manager.
Yet Mourinho's replacement Hiddink is confident the Belgium international will soon return to top form as Chelsea seek to climb the table.
"He had a terrific season last year," Hiddink said.
“I think he can be a key player, as captain of the national team in Belgium, but also here.
“He was unlucky to be injured recently, but today he practised.
“Tomorrow we (will) see again. We look to get back the form."
Hiddink watched from the stands as Chelsea beat Sunderland 3-1 last weekend but will take to the Stamford Bridge touchline for the visit of Watford on Boxing Day.
Hazard is not expected to play a part in that clash but could travel with the squad to Old Trafford on 28 December for a crunch clash with Manchester United.
United boss Louis van Gaal, who managed Holland until 2014 when Hiddink took over for an unsuccessful stint, is under pressure himself.
Van Gaal is thought to have two games to save his job, with Mourinho a candidate to replace him at Old Trafford.
“They are struggling as well, that’s for sure," Hiddink added.
“It also has much to do with the Premier League having strengthened.”
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