Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has called for calm when Eden Hazard returns to action for the club, saying the forward will not be at the level he was at last season straight away.

Belgium became the first team to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Russia, after blitzing their group. The Belgian Red Devils’ international fixtures over the past week included Gibraltar and Greece, and Eden Hazard made substitute appearances in both games despite not having made an appearance for Chelsea so far this season.

Hazard has been out for Chelsea since the beginning of summer after undergoing ankle surgery as a result of a broken ankle. His compatriot Courtois has asked patience when Hazard does return for the Blues, which could come as early as Saturday.

“He is ready, he is doing well and is ready to play,” Courtois told Sky Sports News.

“But we cannot forget he was injured for four months, he had surgery.”

“You cannot expect – if he plays on Saturday, which is up to the manager – if he gets minutes you will see his quality but maybe he is not at his top form like he was last season and you cannot forget that.”

“You have to go little by little I think. We are excited to have him back and I was happy to have him on the pitch with me against Gibraltar and Greece.”

“I hope we can see the best Eden Hazard very soon.”

Hazard returning to action at Chelsea will provide a huge lift to the side, but it will be a slow process getting the forward back to his best.