|
Eden Hazard "feels strong" but still may not make his competitive return to action in Belgium's World Cup qualifiers this week, national team coach Roberto Martinez has told media. Hazard has been sidelined since breaking an ankle while on international duty in June, and though he returned to training with Chelsea recently, he has yet to make a first-team appearance this season. Belgium face unheralded Gibraltar on Thursday looking to maintain or even stretch their four-point lead at the top of Group H ahead of a potentially decisive trip to Greece -- currently in second place in the section -- on Sept. 3. Martinez, who named Hazard his captain after taking over from Marc Wilmots following Euro 2016, would love to have him available, but said he is uncertain whether or not the Chelsea man can play. "He's had two sessions now. There was no reaction after training. The medical staff are very happy but we will have to evaluate the situation again [on Wednesday] before taking a final decision before the match," Martinez said. "He feels strong, but we have to take into consideration that he's coming back after a long lay-off. Medically, he's good. The game with Gibraltar gives us a good opportunity to judge him. But I'm not in a position to say whether he'll take part in both games. "We have to take things step by step. And if he plays 90 minutes against Gibraltar, he won't be able to play against Greece."
|
