Chelsea ace Eden Hazard admits he's feeling his age as he battles with a back injury.

Hazard needed ankle surgery last year and had calf problems. The year before it was a hip issue that sidelined him for six weeks.

He said: “I'm 27 now and starting to get older, so I have to take more care of my body. I am feeling the wear and tear. I have been playing football as a professional for more than 10 years. It is part of the game, I guess.

“I am not happy with being kicked to be fair but it's part of football. The referee tries to do his job and I try to do mine.

“I guess when I am on the floor I can win free-kicks, so every free-kick is a chance to score more goals."

Hazard, who has scored eight goals this season ahead of today's clash with Everton, would like more protection from referees but is not holding his breath for that to happen.

“For me that would be better but for the referee it's hard to show a yellow card in the first minute. Everywhere it is the same for me.

“We have a lot of physios at Chelsea, so I just start with more treatment. I have been doing yoga since I have been at Chelsea and that helps.

“I was feeling good on Thursday. There was no more pain in the back. It was a tough game but a good result and good for myself. We want to keep scoring goals and winning."