Chelsea News: Antonio Conte confirms he wanted Belgium to play Eden Hazard despite injury

Hazard has been out with an ankle injury and has missed the start of Chelsea’s season.

The 26-year-old, one of Chelsea’s top performers last season, has been recovering in west London.

He was selected for international duty despite having not kicked a ball for the Blues this term.

Hazard ended up playing just over an hour of football across Belgium’s two World Cup qualifiers against Gibraltar and Greece.

And Conte says he gave Martinez permission to field the playmaker.

“I spoke with Roberto and we tried the right way to improve his fitness,” Conte said.

“I was very happy for him to play against Gibraltar and 30 minutes against Greece. I totally agreed with him.”

Hazard is back fit and available for selection for Chelsea against Leicester today (3pm).

Discussing his fitness, Conte said: “Now he is available, he is in the list for the squad.

“He is improving a lot, he is working very strong to be ready. Now I can count on him.

“I have to decide the right minutes, but he is available now.

“When there is a bad injury and surgery, it is normal to pay attention to his recovery. Don’t forget he is an important player for us.”