Eden Hazard has been named in Belgium’s squad for two World Cup qualifiers even though he is yet to play for Chelsea this season.
Hazard has missed the first two weeks of the new campaign after breaking his leg while training with the Belgian squad in June.
The winger has only just returned to full first team training for Chelsea, but Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has called him up regardless.
Fifa rules mean Chelsea cannot block Hazard from reporting for duty for the Russia 2018 qualifiers against Gibralter and Greece.
Each country has a right to check the physical condition of a player themselves, and Martinez wants to have his star player involved if possible next week.
Hazard is pushing for a place on the bench when Chelsea take on Everton this weekend as he continues his return to fitness.
And the Belgians believe if he is at all fit enough to be considered by manager Antonio Conte, then he is fit enough to play for them.
They are likely to assess his physical condition on Monday when the players link up for their first training session.
Latest Chelsea news
And if the medical team say he is fit enough to play against Gibralter then Chelsea have little say in the matter.
Martinez is aware they may be some at Stamford Bridge concerned about Hazard's call-up - particularly as he was injured on Belgium duty in the first place.
But he said: "We have an incredible relationship with Chelsea. I don't foresee any problems.
"We need Eden as a player and a human."
Martinez has also seen midfielder Radja Nainggolan decide to quit international football after he was overlooked for the squad.
Nainggolan was disciplined for missing a team meeting ahead of the friendly against Estonia, and after being left out of this squad the Roma star has made it clear he no longer wants to be considered.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest transfer news and speculation with our live transfer feed
Leave a comment