Real Madrid won’t have Eden Hazard for El Derbi?
Real Madrid have been anxiously awaiting Eden Hazard‘s recovery, and while the team had consistently been optimistic that he would return at the start of February for the third clash with Atletico Madrid in the 2019-2020 season, it looks like this isn’t possible.
Eden Hazard has been sorely missed. That honestly seems like an understatement at this point, as Real Madrid’s attack hasn’t looked quite the same without their superstar summer acquisition.
The Belgian forward suffered an ankle injury in late November against countryman Thomas Meunier in a fiery Champions League title with PSG. Neither side emerged winners, but Real suffered the biggest loss.
Initially, Hazard’s injury wasn’t seen as serious. But then his ankle started getting worse. He’s coming up on two full months of games missed, and while he’s been training with the team, it doesn’t look like he’ll be able to play on Feb. 1 against Atletico Madrid.
According to a report from Mario Cortegana and Jonathan Meaney at AS, Real Madrid have ruled Eden Hazard out of their upcoming clash with Atleti at the Santiago Bernabeu. Both teams drew the first match in September at the Wanda Metropolitano 0-0, and Real defeated them in the finals of the Spanish Supercup in penalties after a goalless regulation in Saudi Arabia.
Real want to be as cautious as possible with Hazard. They’ve already moved atop the league table after FC Barcelona floundered miserably against Valencia, whereas Los Blancos managed a gritty three points at the Jose Zorrilla against Real Valladolid.
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Hazard’s absence vs. Atleti is a tough blow, but if it comes at the benefit of a fully healthy Hazard for the remainder of the season, the Whites will take that every time. Plus, Pep Guardiola‘s Manchester City looms in the Round of 16 of the Champions League. Hazard is critical to Real’s Champions League success in Zinedine Zidane‘s second stint at the helm.