21.05.2015 21:11 h

Moment of tooth forces Hazard to miss award show

Chelsea star Eden Hazard was unable to collect his Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award on Thursday after having emergency dental surgery to remove three wisdom teeth.

Hazard topped the poll of journalists with 53 per cent of the vote, ahead of second placed Tottenham striker Harry Kane, and was set to collect the prestigious accolade at a gala dinner in London.

However, the 24-year-old Belgium midfielder, who played a key role in Chelsea's Premier League title triumph this season, was unable to attend in person as he is recovering from the dental procedure.

"Big thank you to the English Football Writers for naming me their player of the year. I am sorry I cannot be there tonight but please know I am very proud of this big award," he wrote on Twitter.

A statement from the FWA read: "2015 Footballer of the Year Eden Hazard has had emergency dental surgery and will be unable to collect his award in person.

"Hazard tried to delay the surgery but had to have three wisdom teeth removed on Wednesday and is still in considerable pain."