Hazard has not featured for Chelsea’s first team so far this season as he recovers from an ankle injury he picked up on Belgium duty back in June.
The 26-year-old played 74 minutes for Chelsea’s Under-23s before making two appearances for Belgium during the international break.
He’s expected to play some part in Antonio Conte’s matchday squad for Saturday’s trip to Leicester.
But Chelsea goalkeeper Courtois, his Belgian compatriot, believes he’ll need time to return to last season’s form.
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Eden Hazard could struggle when he returns from injury, says Thibaut Courtois
Maybe he is not at his top form like he was last season
Thibaut Courtois
Hazard was voted Chelsea’s Player of the Year for a third time as the Blues stormed to the 2016/17 Premier League title, scoring 17 goals and providing seven assists.
"He is ready, he is doing well and is ready to play," Courtois told Sky Sports.
"But we cannot forget he was injured for four months, he had surgery.
"You cannot expect - if he plays on Saturday, which is up to the manager - if he gets minutes you will see his quality but maybe he is not at his top form like he was last season and you cannot forget that.
"You have to go little by little I think. We are excited to have him back and I was happy to have him on the pitch with me against Gibraltar and Greece.
"I hope we can see the best Eden Hazard very soon."
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