Zidane confirms Hazard's return and gives his opinion on the City ban

Real Madrid gaffer Zinedine Zidane has confirmed that Eden Hazard will make his return to first team action in the match against Celta Vigo. 

The Belgian international Hazard has been out of action since November after fracturing his ankle in 2-2 draw in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain. 

Hazard has scored one goal and made 13 appearances since arriving from Chelsea for a reported initial fee of €100m. However, his debut was delayed till September due to a hamstring problem.

Hazard has been training with full strength this week and Madrid coach Zidane confirmed that he could feature against Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Speaking at a pre-match conference on Saturday, Zidane said, “We all know how important Hazard is and that’s why we signed him. He’s a great player. 

"We’re happy he’s back with the group. He hasn’t played for three months and it’s not easy. It will also depend on the game and the rhythm but physically he’s absolutely fit and available to be with us.”

Madrid went into the weekend with a three-point lead at the top of the La Liga and face a huge Clasico clash against Barcelona in between the Champions League last-16 clash against Manchester City. 

It is seen that Zidane rotates his side heavily for domestic and European matches but he will have to be much more careful now.

Zidane, when asked about it said, “The most important game is the one that we’re playing tomorrow and after that, we’ll just plan the following week. 

"In the next month, we’ll have very important games and in each game, we have to give it all because they are crucial. We’ve done well up to now but we have to continue like that if we want to win something important at the end of the season. 

"We know the situation and every game will be a tough one, but we’re ready for that challenge.”

Zidane was also asked about the ban which has been imposed on their opponents, Manchester City and also how he felt about it. He said, “I don’t really know what’s going to change or what’s going to happen.

"I can only talk to you about football and about games we’re going to play. They are a great team regardless of the situation they are going through. The games against them in the Champions League will be tough.”

“As far as the ban goes, I cannot talk about that, it’s not my job. What I want to stress is Manchester City are a great team, a very tough opponent.”

featured image credits- en24.news