Opponent Watch: Real Madrid boss Zidane issues update on ex-Chelsea star before UCL clash

Zinedine Zidane hints Eden Hazard can play for Real Madrid against Chelsea in latest injury update

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.

Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane, issued an injury update of former Chelsea winger, Eden Hazard.
Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane, issued an injury update of former Chelsea winger, Eden Hazard.

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.

Homecoming?

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.”

Eden Hazard is one of the best players ever to play at Chelsea.
Eden Hazard is one of the best players ever to play at Chelsea.

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.

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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.