Speaking ahead of his side’s La Liga game on Sunday (h/t Metro), Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane gave an injury update on Eden Hazard as he reunites with his former club, Chelsea, at the end of this month.
Hazard lit up Stamford Bridge during his 7-year stay at the club since he joined from Lille in 2012. And he got his dream move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2019 for an eye-watering £89m.
But that has not worked out for him so far. The Belgian winger was troubled by a serious ankle injury in his first season and fitness issues have continued to haunt him during this campaign as well.
Injuries have restricted him to just 14 appearances in all competitions this season. Zidane has been without Hazard for just over a month now, with Los Blancos inching closer to La Liga and UEFA Champions League glory in that time.
A comprehensive win against Liverpool in the quarter-final means they will now face Chelsea in the semi-final on 27th April and 5th May. And speaking of Hazard’s return from injury in the La Liga on Sunday, Zidane said:
“You will see the squad for tomorrow’s game later. He is feeling very better and he is ready. He wants to be back more than anyone else. We have been more cautious with Carvajal and Hazard, because they are relapses. They are both better and that is good for the team.”
Both Hazard and Dani Carvajal were absent in both legs against the current Premier League champions. But Zidane’s comments hint that the two could very well be in contention for the Chelsea game.
The Stamford Bridge leg is played in May, so the chances for Hazard to play in London once again is boosted. The first leg will be played later this month at Real Madrid B Team’s ground, Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.
Chelsea find themselves in a difficult situation as their skipper, Reece James, continues to recover from a long-standing injury. The…
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has given the green light for French defender Malo Gusto to return following his injury…
The 22-year-old made a top class performance and marked an assist in Chelsea's 3-0 win against West Ham.
Chelsea have been subject to aggressive links with Victor Osimhen over the recently concluded summer transfer window, and the Blues…
Chelsea recently loaned Jadon Sancho on a season long load deal from Manchester United. (with an obligation to buy)
After a disappointing 2023-24 season under Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea wasted no time in parting ways with the Argentine manager. The…