Eden Hazard gave Chelsea a huge scare ahead of the World Cup when he featured in Belgium’s last preparatory game against Costa Rica.
The flying forward limped off in the second half of the game after a possible injury to his thigh. Hazard was involved in one of the goals Belgium scored on the night, assisting Dries Merten’s goal to equalize Bryan Ruiz’s opener for Costa Rica. Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi also got on the score sheet as did Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku who grabbed two goals.
It looked all smooth for Roberto Martinez’s side except for Hazard’s injury concern. He’ll be fighting to make the Red Devils’ first game at the summer tournament after he hobbled straight into the tunnel unassisted after picking up the injury on the 70th minute.
Martinez played down the injury though, insisting Hazard only suffered a ‘dead leg’ and would be sure to make the first game against Panama.
“Eden is fine. I really enjoyed his performance today. I thought he got into a bit more of a central area, we tried to use him in an area where he could turn, and link up in a different way.
I thought Eden was majestic in that role. He looks sharp, he looks strong and he looks fit to ride any challenges. At the end he just came off because he had a little bit of a dead leg, a little bit of a knock on his leg. Nothing to be worried about.”
Roberto Martinez, Telegraph
