Zidane gets behind Hazard after latest injury blow
Zinedine Zidane has acknowledged Eden Hazard is experiencing a "hard time" but insists Real Madrid will do everything it can to help its record signing.
The Belgium international has been blighted by ankle and leg problems since joining the Spanish giant from Chelsea nearly 18 months ago.
Last season he started just 14 games in LaLiga, playing a minor role as Madrid won the title in his first campaign at the club.
He has continued to struggle this term and suffered an injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh in just his third league start of the campaign against Deportivo Alaves on Sunday (AEDT).
No timescale has been put on his return but he has not been named in Madrid's squad for Tuesday's Champions League trip to Shakhtar Donetsk.
Zidane said it is Madrid's responsibility to look after the 29-year-old and the Frenchman hopes the forward can return stronger than before.
Asked at a media conference if Hazard might experience some psychological impact after yet another injury, Zidane said: "No. Sometimes injuries happen and we have to endure. 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."
Despite a largely indifferent Champions League campaign so far, which has seen them win just two of their four Group B games, Madrid can seal a last-16 spot for a record 24th time with victory against Shakhtar.
Luis Castro's side have failed to win any of their three games since beating Madrid on matchday one, but Zidane is preparing his players for what he describes as the most important game in the group.
"It is up to us to get through," he said. "Tomorrow is another final, there are two left. It is surely the most important game because it can take us to another phase."
Since scoring the third goal in their 3-2 win over Madrid, Shakhtar has failed to score with each of its last 23 shots in the competition.
However, Los Blancos defender Nacho Fernandez still anticipates a challenging fixture in Kiev.
"We need to try to be much more attentive," he said. "They are a very fast team, very dynamic. We will try to get ahead on the scoreboard and be attentive defensively."
