Zidane confirms return of 2 Real Madrid stars from injury

The Real Madrid boss has confirmed the return of two key players ahead of the La Liga match against Elche this weekend.

Zinedine Zidane has confirmed Sergio Ramos and Eden Hazard are available for selection ahead of Real Madrid’s game against Elche on Saturday afternoon.

The duo, who have each been sidelined with long-term injuries, returned to full training on Wednesday. According to reports, they hope to get game time against Elche to boost their chances of starting in the return leg of the club’s Champions League last-16 tie with Atalanta next week.

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But while Zidane remained coy on their roles, the manager confirmed plans to play Ramos and Hazard on Saturday.

“Yes, it’s obvious. We got Sergio and Hazard back for tomorrow,” said Zidane during his pre-match conference on Friday afternoon.

“The idea is that they have minutes [against Elche], but I will not tell you more.”

Hazard has been sidelined for the last six weeks through a thigh muscle injury. It’s one of several major setbacks that the injury-prone star has suffered since his €100m transfer from Chelsea in 2019. It seems, though, he’s ready to come back.

“He looks good physically, which is very important, and emotionally as well,” Zidane said on Hazard.

“He’s gotten over all the hassles and is fine. We will count on him.”

Ramos, meanwhile, has been out since mid-January with a knee injury. The Real Madrid captain underwent surgery last month, and he had targeted a return to action in time for this weekend’s match.

Although Mariano Diaz, Dani Carvajal, and Alvaro Odriozola failed to show up for training on Friday. Therefore, the trio will probably be unavailable again.