The Frenchman stated that Hazard is likely to remain rusty after a spell of injuries that encapsulated a dire first season at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Due to this, Zidane feels it is important to gradually infuse Hazard back into the mix.
The Belgium skipper returned to the line-up as a 70th-minute substitute during Real Madrid’s underwhelming 2-2 Champions League draw versus Borussia Monchengladbach, marking his first appearance of the season.
Also read: Real Madrid News Roundup: Kylian Mbappe’s ex-teammate drops huge hint over star’s future, Sergio Ramos blasts Blancos pair over poor form, and more — 27th October 2020
‘Plan is to gradually try and get him playing,’ says Real Madrid manager Zidane
After seven glorious years at Chelsea where he established himself as arguably the best player in the Premier League, Hazard decided to complete his dream move to Real Madrid for a whopping €100 million excluding add-ons.
However, a flurry of injuries halted his progress in the Spanish top flight. Hazard only finished with a solitary goal across 23 appearances for Real Madrid last season.
A muscle tear at the back-end of last term once again sidelined him but the 29-year-old is finally ready to restart.
Real Madrid salvaged a point against Monchengladbach courtesy of goals from Karim Benzema and Casemiro. The game finished 2-2, with Hazard’s return one of the positives to take from what was an otherwise substandard display.
Discussing his comeback, Real Madrid’s Zidane said:
He continued:
Zidane was proud of his team for coming back from two goals down as he also reflected on the result. The Real Madrid manager added:
Real Madrid will hope to return to winning ways when they take on SD Huesca on October 31 at the Bernabeu. Should they put the game to bed early on, we could see Hazard featuring once again off the bench.
Also read: Borussia Monchengladbach 2-2 Real Madrid: 5 Talking Points as Casemiro and Karim Benzema spare Blancos’ blushes | UEFA Champions League 2020/21
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