Hazard to recover 'in two or three weeks'
Eden Hazard should recover from his latest injury setback in "two or three weeks", according to Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.
A damaged rectus femoris muscle in his left leg initially led to concerns that Hazard could be sidelined for up to six weeks, making him a doubt for both legs of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie with Atalanta.
However, the Belgium international should recover in half that time, meaning he could have a chance of featuring in the first leg against Atalanta in Bergamo on 25 February (AEDT).
Hazard has already had two spells out with muscular issues this season, while he also missed time after a positive COVID-19 test.
"The best Hazard is exactly what we want, we want to see a fully fit Hazard – we look at how tough it's been for the football player, [who] wants to prove how good he is and wants to play for Real Madrid," Zidane said ahead of Sunday's (AEDT) LaLiga meeting with Huesca.
"It's not an easy time for the footballer. I'm sure it's a matter of time before we see him back playing and hopefully he won't pick up another injury.
"Hopefully, when he recovers, we see the best Hazard, maybe in two or three weeks when he recovers.
"I think it's a bit of bad luck. It's not been easy on the player. We have to maintain a positive attitude. He's a great player, we need him back 100 per cent."
He added: "Do you think he's happy with what's going on? Well, no. He's doing what he can to be in good shape, but you know in the life of a player you can be injured.
"We'll have to look at maybe changing something and improve this situation. He's the first player who wants to be fine, of course."
Madrid has been without captain Sergio Ramos for the past three games because of a knee injury and will have to become accustomed to his absence if he does not extend his contract beyond this season.
Ramos has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester United, and Zidane reiterated his hope that Madrid could reach an agreement with the 34-year-old.
"I don't know anything. I don't think anyone really knows what the current situation is," Zidane said.
"Hopefully it's something that gets sorted out and that Sergio can continue being a part of the club, and a captain."
Martin Odegaard was allowed to leave during the latest transfer window, with the Norway international joining Arsenal on loan for the rest of the campaign.
Zidane was reluctant to let Odegaard go but sanctioned the switch at the player's insistence.
"The footballer wanted minutes, wanted to leave the club. We had two or three conversations," the Madrid boss said.
"He's a footballer who wanted to try elsewhere. It was the player who requested this move, I was of course in the know.
"I thought maybe the player could have stayed here, fought for a place in the first team. I wanted him to come back to the club because he's a talented player.
"I think the player wanted to go out on loan, get more minutes. The important thing is he's happy, we're happy too. It's good for both parties."
