Holland gives latest Hazard injury update after Chelsea’s win at Swansea

Chelsea are optimistic that Eden Hazard will return from injury “sooner rather than later” to boost the Blues title hopes.

The playmaker sat out Sunday’s 1-0 win at Swansea City due to the calf strain which forced him off in the first half of last week’s Champions League quarter-final win over Paris Saint-Germain.

Having a clear week this week is a big advantage

Steve Holland

But assistant first-team coach Steve Holland played up the chances of the Belgium international returning to action in the coming weeks.

“Every player is fit at this stage, with the exception of Eden, who should be sooner rather than later,” said Holland. “It is still a little bit too early to say for sure.”

Holland also feels that the Blues, who are second in the table and two points behind leaders Liverpool, will benefit from a week off before next weekend’s clash with Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.

“Having a clear week this week is a big advantage,” said Holland. “I can’t stress enough the extra demand that the Champions League brings with those fixtures in the week.

“It is just what the doctor ordered to give the players a bit of a break this week.”