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Guus Hiddink says freshness is key to Eden Hazard regaining form

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Guus Hiddink confirmed Eden Hazard still isn't fit to start for Chelsea

Guus Hiddink believes Eden Hazard needs to start enjoying his football again to regain his form of last season - but warned "I'm not his mother".

Hazard won the PFA , Premier League and Football Writers' player of the season awards last year but has struggled this season, failing to score in Chelsea's troubled start to their title defence.

Hazard will miss Wednesday's visit of West Brom due to a groin injury and although Hiddink is keen to have the Belgium winger back, he says it will take time for him to rediscover the heights of last season.

Hiddink said: "For me it's about freshness. If your mind is fresh and players are eager to step up and enjoy training that's a signal of freshness.

"He has won trophies but this season he has had some mostly physical problems. Yesterday was the Ballon d'Or and you see the freshness of the players who have won the Ballon d'Or several times already - they are playing like youngsters.

"I think for the Ballon d'Or, you have to establish yourself over more seasons. Hazard is capable in the future but there are other demands."

 Eden Hazard of Chelsea looks on
Image: Eden Hazard (middle) has not scored for Chelsea this season

And when asked by Sky Sports News HQ's Andy Burton when Hazard needed "an arm around his shoulder", Hiddink replied: "I'm not his mother, they get proper attention.

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"They'll get the time to come back - they all have an individual approach. One needs a lash, another needs an arm.

"Another one needs to be pinched a bit. It's different but we give him time to come back to his level.

"That's what we are aiming for with him. He has to enjoy it and get rid of the physical problems then he will come into his normal shape."

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