Real Madrid will be hoping to adjust without Karim Benzema, as they get ready to face Mallorca in their fifth La Liga game of the season. Los Blancos have won the first four and sit at the top of the table, but face a different task this time around, with their French talisman out injured, having picked up a problem vs Celtic.
How long Benzema will be out for remains unclear as numbers in the media have suggested anything between a week to a month. But one thing that is clear is that Real Madrid will not have him available when they come up against Mallorca.
When Benzema was forced off the pitch against Celtic at around the 30-minute mark, Eden Hazard was brought on as his substitute and to be honest, the Belgian did a very good job, scoring himself and influencing play throughout.
Now, Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Hazard will play against Mallorca as well, in what is surely a boost for the Belgian and his confidence. As reported by Real Madrid’s official website, the manager said:
"“Hazard played against Celtic and he’ll do the same tomorrow. I hope he can put in a repeat performance. Injuries happen. Benzema had a small issue against Celtic and he was out for a while in December last year too and we managed to replace him just fine. The team played brilliantly without him against Celtic, especially up top, and I hope to see more of the same tomorrow”."
Ancelotti confirms fantastic Hazard news for Real Madrid’s game vs Mallorca
Not too long ago, Hazard was struggling to even get on the pitch as a substitute, with the likes of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Marco Asensio and even Fede Valverde appearing to be ahead of him in the wing pecking order.
The role as a false nine might end up giving his first-team chances at Real Madrid a fresh lease of life though, as the club do not have a good back up option to Benzema at this point of time.
If Hazard can perform in that role in Benzema’s absence and remain injury free, then this might be a great opportunity for him to get back into the playing picture.