Spoilt kid: Keane was scathing in his criticism of Hazard's quit threat

Confirmed Chelsea v Watford team news: Hazard omitted by champions

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Published on:

03 Feb 2016, 1:15 pm

By Chelsea correspondent Tony Hughes

Eden Hazard has been omitted from the Chelsea team that faces Watford in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

The reigning Footballer of the Year is on the substitute's bench for the clash at Vicarage Road just three days after opening his goal account for the season.

Manager Guus Hiddink has chosen Willian, Oscar and Cesc Fabregas as the three attacking midfielders behind spearhead Diego Costa in preference to Hazard.

It is a blow to the Belgian, who has failed to come anywhere near to the heights he reached last season. Hazard has scored just one goal, a penalty against Championship side MK Dons, in 29 appearances for the champions.

Meanwhile, John Terry keeps his place at the heart of the defence despite his contract stand-off with the club.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Mikel, Matic; Willian, Fabregas, Oscar; Diego Costa. Subs: Begovic, Cahill, Baba Rahman, Loftus-Cheek, Kenedy, Traore, Hazard.

Chelsea FC

Watford

Eden Hazard