London: Guus Hiddink hopes Eden Hazard can inspire a Chelsea revival ahead of the first match of his second spell in charge against Watford.

The 69-year-old Dutchman has been brought in to oversee a salvage job at Stamford Bridge after this season's disappointing Premier League title defence under Jose Mourinho resulted in the Portuguese parting ways with the club.

Last week's 3-1 win over Sunderland, under caretaker manager Steve Holland, has eased scarcely believable concerns over relegation in west London. But Chelsea will now look to climb their way towards more familiar ground by stringing together a run of positive results and Hiddink believes Hazard has a vital role to play.

The Belgian playmaker swept the board in the end-of-season awards last term after numerous sublime performances during Chelsea's Premier League triumph. His fortunes have declined as rapidly as his teammates this time around, though, with the 24-year-old yet to find the net in 16 league appearances.

"Eden had a terrific season last year and it's normal to have a little setback," Hiddink told the Premier League website. "He can be a key player when he is with the Belgium national team, but he will be a key player for Chelsea too when he gets back in shape.