Hazard's injury not as bad as Chelsea first feared

Chelsea have been handed a boost with the news that Eden Hazard’s groin injury is not as serious as first feared, sources have told ESPN.

Hazard was forced to limp off after just 15 minutes of Sunday’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace after suffering the groin injury.

Hazard suffered a similar injury in Jose Mourinho’s final game in charge against Leicester City last month and was forced to miss the win over Sunderland the following week.

The Belgium international underwent a scan on the problem on Monday and tests have shown no serious damage to the groin.

Chelsea are hopeful that the injury will only sideline Hazard for two weeks which will rule him out of the FA Cup clash with Scunthorpe and next week’s Premier League clash with West Bromwich Albion.

Hazard has endured a difficult season to date at Stamford Bridge, having failed to score so far this season, while he was also singled out for criticism from by some of the club’s fans after Chelsea’s poor start to the season led to the sacking of Mourinho last month.