Hazard 'very close' to making Real Madrid return, confirms Zidane

Zinedine Zidane defends Eden Hazard from ‘unprofessional’ criticism while handing out a positive update on his recovery.

Eden Hazard is yet to enjoy a considerable run of games at Real Madrid without interruptions from injury-related problems.

A number of serious fitness issues saw the Belgian forward remain sidelined for 203 days and miss 26 games in total during his debut season at Santiago Bernabeu.

2020/21 too has been unkind to the former Chelsea man as he did not play a part in the new season’s opening match against Real Sociedad or the following one against Real Betis.

It may be not long, however, before Hazard gains full fitness and returns to action as Zinedine Zidane has confirmed that the €100 million-man has returned to training.

“I think he’s very close to a return,” said Zidane in his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s LaLiga clash against Real Valladolid.

“He is prepared and training well with the team. The issue is that he hasn’t been able to train much until now, but now he is back training regularly. So, we’ll see what happens.

“What he wants is to play. The season is very long and he is a professional. What he wants is to be with his team-mates and to play.”