Chelsea will block Eden Hazard from joining Belgium squad next month despite returning to training after ankle injury

CHELSEA intend to stop Eden Hazard from reporting for international duty with Belgium in September, according to reports.

The Belgian winger has been sidelined since breaking his ankle during a training session with his national team in June.

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PA:Press Association

The 26-year-old missed both the Community Shield loss to Arsenal and the opening day Premier League defeat at the hands of Burnley with the injury.

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has spoken of Hazard’s importance to the national team set-up.

“Eden Hazard is almost back. I would love to have him in my Belgium squad for Gibraltar & Greece,” the former Everton manager said.

The Evening Standard claims the Blues won’t allow the former Lille forward to play for Belgium before he plays for them.

It is unlikely he will feature for Antonio Conte’s men in their games against Tottenham and Everton before the international break.

Hazard returned to full first-team training on Tuesday, giving the west London club a huge boost.

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The flying forward appeared somewhat off the pace as he gingerly worked his way through the session.

Hazard pushed himself through some passing drills but appeared somewhat limited during Tuesday’s session at Cobham.

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Pedro meanwhile was one star to sit out the training session, as he still recovers from an injury of his own.

Chelsea succumbed to a shock 3-2 defeat in their opening game of the 2017-18 Premier League season against Burnley.