Real Madrid: What to expect from Eden Hazard vs. Real Valladolid

Real Madrid left winger Eden Hazard is getting close to full strength, but will he play against Real Valladolid?

After defeating Real Betis 3-2 on Saturday night at the Benito Villamarin, Real Madrid will play their first home match of the 2020-2021 La Liga season on Wednesday night at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano against Real Valladolid.

Los Blancos defeated Valladolid earlier this year 1-0 in January, but Valladolid’s form isn’t as good right now. Still, Los Blancos will not want to underestimate any club in La Liga.

Eden Hazard‘s status is one of the biggest topics of discussion heading into this match. While Hazard isn’t expected to start, Madridistas are wondering if we could see the Belgian make his season debut off the bench as a tune-up before the international break. Real’s final game before the break will take place against Levante on Sunday afternoon, so the return could also wait until then.

The former Chelsea star has been recovering from more ankle issues. Real want to be as cautious as possible with Hazard, because a fully healthy Hazard makes all the difference. Refer to what he did last Fall. Hazard may not have been banging home the goals and setting up all the assists, but his star power, movement, and skill were a boon to Karim Benzema and Rodrygo Goes.

Eden Hazard could come off the bench for Real Madrid vs. Real Valladolid

While Real Madrid need to be cautious with Hazard, they should get him on the pitch if he is 100 percent with no issues. They should do this gradually and let Hazard gain his confidence, but they can’t be too afraid to play him. Because that seems to be one of the issues for Hazard – that valid fear of reinjury.

Hazard is said to be “very close” to returning for this match and was even named to the official squad for the first time this season. If Zinedine Zidane and the club weren’t thinking of playing him, then he wouldn’t have been in the squad.

A start seems unlikely. Last season, he made his debut against Levante as a substitute for about the last half-hour of the match. Something similar seems appropriate against Real Valladolid this week. And if Real Madrid are comfortably in the lead, that makes it easier for Hazard to gain confidence in a less intensive game.

If Hazard plays, he’ll likely ease into the game, roaming around and making simple passes before testing out his ankle with some more mazy dribbling. It will be especially fun to watch how Hazard works with Martin Odegaard, as the two have never played together.