Eden Hazard is the only person who should decide when he makes his comeback after recovering from a broken ankle, Chelsea and Belgium teammate Thibaut Courtois has said.
Hazard broke his right ankle during training with Belgium in June, and though he has returned to training at Chelsea, he is yet to make a competitive appearance this season.
That has not stopped Belgium coach Roberto Martinez calling up his captain for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte stating his surprise at the decision, and Courtois has warned against pressure being put on his teammate to return too quickly.
"The only one who feels his ankle is Eden," the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper said. "You mustn't forget that he broke an ankle. It takes time to get your rhythm back. He missed preseason.
"You can expect to see him play the best game of his career in those conditions. You have to be careful. He's training well, feels better day after day and if he plays, it'll be the coach's decision, not mine."
Courtois added: "He loves playing with the [Red] Devils, he loves playing for his country. So if he feels good to play, he's going to play. Having said that, I experienced that last year. I had an injured ankle, the club wanted me to play against Manchester United. I didn't feel 100 percent.
"At that time, it was better to step aside for someone who is 100 percent and can give their all. Eden will say after the training sessions if he feels good or not."
Belgium are four points clear at the top of their World Cup qualifying group, and after Thursday's qualifier with Gibraltar, they face a potentially decisive trip to second-placed Greece on Sept. 3.