Chelsea FC interim manager Guus Hiddink will be able to start Eden Hazard for the first time as manager, with the 24-year-old returning against Arsenal FC last weekend after a prolonged injury absence. 

 

Hazard came on in the final few minutes of the Blues’ win at the Emirates last weekend, and having returned to full training with the first-team squad, the Belgian should be ready to make his first start under Guus Hiddink against MK Dons on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Radamel Falcao continues to remain on the sidelines with a thigh injury, with no specific date set for his return. Hiddink has no new injury concerns, although France striker Loïc Rémy continues to remain doubtful with a calf injury.

Spain international Diego Costa was substituted after a starring role in Chelsea FC’s previous game against Arsenal FC with what looked to be a knee issue, but the former Atlético Madrid striker is also available for selection at the Stadium MK.

Meanwhile, new loan signing Alexandre Pato arrived too late to make the match-day squad for the FA Cup tie, but there could be possible involvement for the Brazilian in the midweek Premier League fixture against Watford.

Hiddink lauds Pato’s ‘brave step’, insists loan move is not a gamble

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the game, the Blues’ boss insisted that the club had not made a gamble by signing the former AC Milan wonderkid, while commending the 26-year-old on the ‘brave step’ he has made to try his luck again in Europe.

Hiddink is quoted by the Chelsea FC official website as saying: “It is not a gamble. Coming on loan makes it possible to have a good view on him. We will give him all the support in this and it is up to him.

“On loan is good for everyone to see whether he is happy with this club and whether the club is happy with him after this few months. He has to settle, we will give him all the time to do that and get used to a very demanding league.

“After he did not make a big next step in Europe, he went back to Brazil so now he thinks he has another chance to make a step in Europe which is a brave step, but it is up to him and we will help him to get fit and see what he can bring to [Chelsea FC].”

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