Regarding the squad’s fitness
Los Blancos are in the midst of a grueling schedule in both La Liga and the Champions League right now. Today marked the fifth match in 14 days for Real Madrid and though Zidane has done his best to rotate the squad, there is still concern surrounding the fitness of the regular starters.
Casemiro has taken up his role as backbone in the midfield and has featured in these last five matches including playing 90 minutes in three of them. Zizou has elected to play one of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, or Fede Valverde in each of these matches, but has used Kroos less than many would have liked.
Coupled with a busy international schedule, can these guys stay healthy and fit? It is a tall task for these players and the manager, but that is why Real has extensive depth in each position.
Having Hazard back is an enormous boost that cannot be overstated. If – and it’s a big if – the players can stay healthy and Zidane keeps looking to the plethora of depth in the side, they can weather this storm.