Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes Eden Hazard’s below-par showing against Aston Villa was a one-off.
Hazard was Chelsea’s star performer last season and will likely sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge, staving off interest from both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
The 23-year-old Belgium playmaker has spoken of his desire to claim the Ballon d’Or and wanted the No10 shirt at Chelsea, worn by his idol Zinedine Zidane.
Suggested Hazard was below his best in the 3-0 defeat of Villa, Mourinho said: “Yes. (I) agree. I don’t know what he needs. I know he needs to play more than he did (against Villa).
“He started the season well. Eden played good matches with us.
“I think it’s more an isolated, not good performance than a period. No dramas and I am not too much worried about it, but it was not his day."
It is likely Mourinho will give Hazard another chance to return to his high-standard showings against Sporting Lisbon tomorrow in Champions League Group G.
Mourinho also hopes to select Diego Costa for a second match in quick succession in Portugal, but it remains to be seen how the prolific striker recovers, given his fragile hamstrings.
Hazard’s performance was not down to World Cup fatigue, Mourinho believes, but Brazilians Oscar, Willian and Ramires, who is currently out with a groin injury, and World Cup-winner Andre Schurrle of Germany are still finding their feet after a strenuous summer.
“Not one of them arrived and had enough time in the pre-season to start the season in a very strong way,” Mourinho added.
“All of them, they are coming step by step. Now they are getting into the intensity of the game.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea have taken the first step towards a possible temporary move to Twickenham after making an approach to the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
The RFU says it has been sounded out over the prospect of the club using the 82,000-capacity home of English rugby if Stamford Bridge is redeveloped.
Chelsea announced in June they are looking at possible expansion plans for their stadium, although dates have not been specified.
Twickenham has previously refused football teams permission to move in. Ex-RFU chief executive Francis Baron said in 2001, when Fulham sought a temporary home, “we are not interested”, citing difficulties with segregation of supporters, traffic and policing issues.
