Eden Hazard resumes light training following ankle surgery

Eden Hazard has returned to light training ahead of the new Premier League season, giving Chelsea some good news.

The Belgium midfielder posted a clip on his Instagram going through his paces at Cobham, as he steps up his recovery before the Blues begin their defence of the title.

Hazard underwent surgery on his ankle, but his return to the training pitch will boost hopes he is approaching full fitness.

Although he is likely to miss the start of the new campaign, the 26-year-old is expected to play again by the end of August and is eyeing to regain the Player of the Year crown he won two seasons ago.

He said: “Hopefully, next year it is the same — we win the league and then I win Player of the Year.

“Obviously winning the league is what we want most and the award is just a bonus.

“We started this season well and we won the league, but next year we have to work as hard as we have this season. We have to be ready every year at the same level to stay at the top.

“I’ve been here for five years now and I’m so happy.

“After five years, I know everything about the club. Even if I’m still only 26, I have a lot of experience now.

“I started playing at 16 in France, so I’ve been professional for 10 years. In terms of games and experience, I’m one of the oldest ones.

“I like this club because it’s like a family. I have a lot of friends and we all talk to each other.”