Hazard could return for Everton match

Eden Hazard could return for Chelsea’s home game against Everton on Saturday week, but manager Guus Hiddink insists the club will take no chances with the Belgian playmaker’s fitness.

Hazard returned from injury to start against Crystal Palace on Sunday, but he lasted just 15 minutes before limping off with a groin injury.

Hiddink said Hazard, who is yet to score in 27 appearances for the Blues this season, will not feature in Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Scunthorpe, or the league game against West Brom on Wednesday.

“Midweek he will not make,” Hiddink said. “But we have to be careful also because a player must not fall again after twice falling.

“We must take a little bit more time. He was fit to play but it was an unfortunate slip in the Crystal Palace game. We must careful to maybe leave it one game or half a game later.”

Hiddink refused to discuss reports that Hazard could leave this month and that Chelsea are interested in Leicester striker Jamie Vardy.