Chelsea attacker Eden Hazard has insisted that his friendship with Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne will be put to one side during Sunday's Premier League clash between the two teams.

The London outfit have dropped out of the top four in the Premier League after losing three of their last four top-flight matches, and they will visit a City side that have won 24 of their 28 league fixtures this term.

Hazard, who plays alongside De Bruyne for Belgium, has acknowledged his admiration for his international teammate, but has said that their friendship will count for nothing during the 90 minutes of football.

"He's fantastic. He's clever on and off the pitch. He's in full confidence as he's playing in the best team in the Premier League this year," Hazard told Sky Sports News.

"When he's on the pitch with good players, he's one of the best in the world. Every time he has the ball at his feet he can do something magic. He doesn't score a lot of goals but he can create something with just one movement or pass. It's simple, he's a special player.

"I'm happy to see Kevin before kick-off but for 90 minutes I'll try to forget he's my friend. I like to make jokes with my friends in the tunnel but as soon as the referee blows the whistle I'm focused on the game. After the game - win lose or draw - I will shake his hand and say 'see you in March with the national team'."

City would move 25 points clear of Chelsea with a win at the Etihad Stadium.