Zinedine Zidane hopes Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard can ‘recover completely’ to play key Champions League role

Just one goal this season for the 29-year-old in 21 appearances

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is hopeful that big-money signing Eden Hazard will return to full fitness to play a key role against Manchester City.

The two teams meet in the Champions League last 16 second leg on 7 August, with Pep Guardiola’s team leading 2-1 from the first leg, played almost five months ago.

Hazard was signed from Chelsea last summer for a deal worth up to £150 million, but he has struggled badly this term with a series of injuries, including a broken bone in his foot.

Since the resumption of LaLiga, Hazard has played six times, but only managed 70 minutes across two appearances in Real’s last six games of the season, missing the last match at Leganes entirely. But Zidane says the Belgian international is working with the medical staff and has time to find full fitness.

“I think Eden had little [injury] problems recently because, when he finished playing [against Villarreal], he had problems; he didn’t end well,” Zidane said.

“I hope that, with this break, he recovers completely. Those that know about this, about looking after players, will try to get Eden well again.”

Meanwhile, Zidane also acknowledged that he has been pondering over how to turn around the European tie next month and is confident his side can do so.

Prior to drawing their final match, when the title was already sewn up, Zidane had guided Madrid to 10 straight wins post-lockdown, while Manchester City’s own form has been inconsistent.

“How can I not think that we can come back [against City]?” Zidane continued.

“We’re going to fight to get to the next round until the last second. Now, it’s about resting a bit because the final stretch [of the season] has been hard. It’s about resting now, not going on holiday, but disconnecting a bit.”