Real Madrid: Zinedine Zidane leaves door open for Eden Hazard return this season

Real Madrid left winger Eden Hazard recently underwent successful surgery in the United States after suffering a fractured fibula, and Zinedine Zidane isn’t ruling out his return later this season.

Eden Hazard joined Real Madrid this past summer as the crown jewel of their incoming signings, which were mostly made up of young and ascending players like Rodrygo Goes. So as a superstar in the prime of his career, the former Chelsea man was expected to be an immediate superstar for Los Blancos.

It took some time for Hazard to recover from an injury and click with his teammates, but by November, he was more than living up to expectations. The connection between Hazard and star striker Karim Benzema was lethal, and both men’s full gifts were on display against Real Sociedad and the first half of their second Champions League matchup with PSG.

Unfortunately, Hazard suffered a serious ankle injury against PSG and missed three months as a result. Upon his return, Hazard didn’t show any signs of rust and resumed playing at a superstar level for Real Madrid, but, once again, serious injury struck. Hazard fractured his fibula against Levante in late February before the Champions League knockout stage.

Hazard has undergone surgery on his leg, but it’s unclear when he’ll return. There is hope that he can come back before the season ends, with reports indicating he could practice with his teammates in a couple of months.

Real Madrid will remain quiet on Hazard’s status, as his recovery is fluid. However, Zinedine Zidane did recently make comments about Hazard to the press. He stated that he recently spoke with Hazard, who is feeling “better” after initially being understandably upset by the injury. Zidane then went on to say that it’s possible for the Belgian to return before the campaign concludes.

Madridistas should prepare for the worst with Hazard but hope for the best. Hazard could give Los Blancos a boost in the final games of the 2019-2020 La Liga campaign, though the club is currently in pole position to win the league after defeating Barcelona without him. Vinicius Junior has excelled as a left winger recently and can lead the team to victory in Hazard’s absence.

If Los Merengues are still alive in the Champions League, then Hazard’s return could be an even bigger boost in the final stages of that competition. Again, the situation is fluid and Real Madrid fans cannot expect him to play, but it is good to hear that Zidane is leaving the door open for the superstar to return.

It is a joy to watch him play, and we cannot imagine what he must be going through mentally and physically due to this injury. We can only wish him the best in his recovery.