Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink has said that the form this season of winger Eden Hazard has been "alarming"

Below-average Belgian 

So much was expected of the current PFA player of the year and his side coming into this season, having been the main player in Jose Mourinho's first title since his return to Stamford Bridge

However he has failed to live up to what he had performed to previously with just two goals in 38 first-team appearances this season - both coming in the FA Cup. 

Admittedly, the 25-year-old has been unlucky with injuries this season picking up several with the latest been an ongoing hip problem which means he hasn't played since the 2-1 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the beginning of March. 

Ahead of their match against Manchester City, Hiddink admitted that the form of the Belgian has proven to be a concern. 

He told Sky Sports that it has been a "long period of absence" for the player and that he has told Hazard that he "must start performing" and said that it is "difficult" when a player of the year "has this fall"

He continued saying that trying to get Hazard back on track was "breaking" his head but admitted that he "fell too much" into injuries and difficulties to "get out of there"

Eden Hazard has struggled with injuries this year. | Photo: Getty Images
Eden Hazard has struggled with injuries this year. | Photo: Getty Images

Raring to go 

One man that will be raring to go is striker Diego Costa who is available for selection after serving his three-match ban for the dismissal in the 2-0 defeat to Everton and Hiddink admitted that there had been no let up in the Spaniards training since his red card. 

He said that Costa had been "working very hard" and said that when a player has been out for that they will take a "little break" but he hasn't and admitted that he is "eager to play".

Chelsea will host Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, April 16 with kick-off at 5:30pm BST. 

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About the author
Danial  Kennedy
Award-winning sports journalism graduate. Currently studying a PR Masters at the University of Sunderland. Writing for VAVEL since August 2014. Twitter - @ddkjournalism.