Eden Hazard’s father has come out to defend his son following the numerous criticism the superstar has received this season due to his drop in form. The Belgium international was in sensational form for The Blues last season and was named the Player of the Season after steering the West London club to Premier League glory. His impressive performance last season led to his nomination in the 23-man list for the prestigious FIFA Ballon d’Or, having scored 17 goals in all competitions for the defending champions.
On the contrary, the 25-year-old is yet to score a Premier League goal this season in 26 appearances, but his father, Hazard Snr, seems to have an explanation for the drop in form.
Speaking to Belgian newspaper Le Soir, he explained:
“Eden’s lack of form is due to an injury, an inflammation in the hip, that he’s been carrying now for three or four months
“It’s not a bad injury, but when the pain appears, it feels like a stabbing. It feels like a knife is stabbed in it.’’
He added:
“He was feeling the pain early in the game [against Leicester] and that’s why he has asked for a substitution. Instead of giving Eden time to overcome the injury and have a proper rest, they push him to play because they have some important games ... So he has no choice ... Which player hasn’t had highs and lows in his career? It’s the first time in his professional career that he’s confronted a difficult period. He’s not a machine, as we know.”
The former Lille man was also booed by a section of fans during Chelsea’s loss to Paris Saint-Germain at the Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night in their Champions League game. He was later substituted 13 minutes from full-time.
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