Real Madrid: Eden Hazard could make his return this week

Real Madrid left winger Eden Hazard has not played this season due to a lingering ankle injury, but could he return against Real Valladolid?

When Eden Hazard was fully healthy and integrated into the starting XI last Fall, Real Madrid looked nearly unstoppable. Their 3-1 win over Real Sociedad epitomized their brilliance with Hazard in the lineup on the left side, combining with Karim Benzema and freeing up Rodrygo Goes to show the best of his abilities, even on the right side.

Hazard, unfortunately, suffered an ankle injury against PSG, re-injured the ankle early in 2020, and then suffered some more setbacks this summer.

Real Madrid are being as cautious as possible with the Belgian superstar, since another ankle injury would be a huge blow to both Hazard and the club. But Hazard is working hard to return and could be back this week.

Tomas Gonzalez-Martin of ABC Deportes reports that Eden Hazard is “ready to play” for Real Madrid this week. Hazard will reportedly either make his return to the pitch against Real Valladolid this Wednesday or against Levante on Sunday.

Real Madrid LW Eden Hazard could return against Real Valladolid or Levante

It would seem to make more sense for Hazard to return against Levante, though he could return off the bench against Valladolid as a tune-up. Recall that last year in the early Fall, Hazard made his debut as a substitute against Levante.

The international break is after the match against Levante, so it would make sense to either use Hazard as a sub against Valladolid to prepare for the match against Levante. But Los Blancos could take the most cautious approach with Hazard and either wait until Levante or even rest him through the break.

But if he’s ready and truly 100 percent, there’s no reason to wait. Hazard needs to play and play with confidence on that ankle. Real Madrid need him at this best, because this season looks more difficult than the 2019-2020 campaign with Atletico Madrid showing attacking resurgence.