Belgium is a big doubt for his Champions League last-16 connection with Atalanta
Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has expressed his hope that Eden Hazard can return in 2-3 weeks from his latest injury.
The 30-year-old picked up a new muscle injury this week, following a run of horrific injury fortunes in the Spanish capital.
Hazard has already had two different spells due to muscle injuries this season, and also lost time due to Covid-19.
The bigger picture
Hazard has not lived up to expectations in Madrid since joining Chelsea in a € 100 million (£ 88m / $ 120m) deal in the summer of 2019.
Big things were expected from the Belgian star, but he has now been ruled out of a range of games nine different times due to injury or fitness issues since arriving in Madrid.
Zidane admitted that Hazard has become embarrassed by how he was injured.
What Zidane said about Danger
“It’s not an easy time for the footballer. I’m sure it’s a matter of time before we see him back playing and hope he doesn’t take another injury,” Zidane said at a news conference .
“We hope that when he comes back we will see the best of the Danger, perhaps in two or three weeks when he overcomes it.
“I think it’s a bit of bad luck. It wasn’t easy for the player. We have to maintain a positive outlook. He’s a good player, we need him back 100 percent.
“Do you think he’s happy with what’s going on? Well, no. He’s doing his best to be in good shape, but you know in a player’s life you can be hurt.
“We need to look at maybe change something and improve this situation. He’s the first player who wants to be good, of course.”
What games does Hazard miss?
If Zidane’s prediction of a two-week absence comes true, Hazard would miss four La Liga games: against Huesca, Getafe, Valencia and Valladolid.
Risk should be considered a major doubt for the last 16-year Champions League tie with Atalanta in two and a half weeks, with a league game against Real Sociedad four days after that first leg.
Further reading
Severe doubt for Real League Champions League tie with Atalanta after new injury recovery (February 3)
‘Danger in a vicious circle’ – Belgian national team doctor tempted by Real Madrid star’s serious injury (February 4)