Three things to watch as Real Madrid returns to training
By Ben Sundock
After getting some time to relax and enjoy their La Liga winning campaign, Real Madrid will return to training on Tuesday afternoon to begin preparing for the important tilt with Manchester City in the Champions League.
The time for celebration is over and now, all focus is on making a comeback against Man City in the second leg of the UCL round of 16. After giving up two late goals in the home leg way back in February, Real Madrid will need two away goals of their own to knock out Pep Guardiola’s talented side.
With nearly three weeks separating their last league match and the all-important clash in England, there are a lot of storylines to keep a close eye on.
Here are three of the biggest as the team returns to the Ciudad de Real Madrid to begin preparations.
How healthy is Eden Hazard after time off?
It was a poor season for the marquee signing of the 2019 summer transfer window. In his first season in Spain, Eden Hazard spent over 150 days injured and missed more matches in this season alone – 26 – than he did in his lengthy stay with Chelsea, 20.
The Belgian playmaker was wonderful when the league campaign resumed in mid-June, but down the stretch in the final five or so matches, he looked hobbled by the ankle injuries he suffered earlier in the year.
Hazard’s wit and ability to enhance the Real Madrid attack was on full display as he started and was a big contributor in four of the first five matches back, but he appeared just twice and totaled 70 minutes on the pitch in the final six matches.
The biggest question now will be, can he start or even make a substitute appearance on August 7?
Undoubtedly, having the number seven fully fit on the left flank would do wonders for Los Blancos, but if he is still struggling to gain full mobility, it might be on Vinicius Junior to step in.
Vini has been more clinical in the attacking third as of late, but Hazard has the experience against City. Keep an eye on the number seven in training this week especially. If he is limited or working individually, he will likely not start.
If he is moving well and shows no signs of pain in that ailing ankle, he could and very well should start upon his return to the UK.