Zinedine Zidane Backs Eden Hazard to ‘Come Back Stronger’ After Latest Injury Setback

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane insists Eden Hazard has the full support of everyone at the club following his latest injury setback, and is confident the Belgian will ‘come back stronger’.

The former Chelsea man has endured a turbulent time since his move to the Spanish capital in 2019, featuring in just 16 La Liga matches in his maiden campaign with Los Blancos and failing to record more than four consecutive league appearances.

The 29-year-old has continued to struggle this season and yet again finds himself sidelined having picked up a thigh injury in Saturday’s defeat to Alaves. How long Hazard will be out for remains unclear, though Zidane has confirmed he has the support of everyone at the club.

Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard’s time in the Spanish capital has been blighted by injury | Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

“Sometimes injuries happen and we have to endure,” Zidane said as reported by Goal. “He is strong, I have no doubt. He is having a hard time lately. We are going to help him to get better soon.

“It is a complicated situation for Eden. He has never been injured in his career and now has more misfortunes. He will surely come back stronger. We look forward to seeing him with us again.”

A timescale has yet to be put on Hazard’s return, though he will definitely play no part in the club’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday evening.

Zidane has offered Hazard his full support following another injury setback
Zidane has offered Hazard his full support following another injury setback | DeFodi Images/Getty Images

Despite not being at their free-flowing best in this season’s Champions League, Real can secure their passage into the next round of Europe’s premier competition with a win over the Ukrainian champions.

Zidane is keen to avoid his side’s Champions League destiny still being in the balance come the final matchday of Group B and has emphasised the importance of a win.

“It is up to us to get through,” he added. “Tomorrow [Tuesday] is another final, there are two left. It is surely the most important game because it can take us to another phase.”

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