Mourinho's wish granted as Belgium name Hazard on the bench for Ivory Coast friendly



Marc Wilmots has granted Jose Mourinho’s wish and vowed to use Eden Hazard sparingly in Belgium’s home game with Ivory Coast on Wednesday.

Worried Chelsea boss Mourinho outlined his concerns over fatigue catching up with Hazard and having a detrimental effect on his match-winning brilliance after last weekend’s win at Fulham.

While stopping short of sending a personal plea to Wilmots, Mourinho made it clear he was hoping for a favour from the Belgian coach by admitting it would be ‘perfect’ if he omitted the attacking midfielder from his starting line-up.

On the bench: Belgium coach Marc Wilmots has pledged to name Eden Hazard among the substitutes for Wednesday night's friendly with the Ivory Coast

Influential: Chelsea are determined to keep Hazard fit and firing as they chase the Barclays Premier League title

Pressure: Jose Mourinho subtly asked Wilmots to keep Hazard out of the action to preserve his fitness

As he prepared to face Ivory Coast, Wilmots revealed he was happy to oblige, in a stance that will come as a timely boost to Chelsea’s Barclays Premier League title hopes.

‘I am aware of the situation with regards to Eden’s overall fitness, and it could become an issue for the World Cup, if Chelsea go all the way in the Champions’ League,’ he said.



‘The final comes after the end of the Premier League campaign and would leave him less recovery time for Brazil.

‘Those sort of factors could affect his ability to produce his best at the World Cup, but that is something to consider nearer the time. For now, I am happy to accept that we don’t need him to be starting this game.



Unplayable: Hazard (left) was the outstanding player as Chelsea won 3-1 at Fulham on Saturday to go four points clear at the top of the Premier League. Andre Schurrle (right) scored a hat-trick

Leading the way: Chelsea look good for a fourth Premier League title with their lead

'I am happy with the group of players at my disposal, and Eden will be on the bench. I won’t use him for more than 20 minutes.’

Hazard is confident the rigours of pursuing a Premier League and Champions’ League double won’t take too much out of him.