Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane doesn't think Eden Hazard lacked professionalism: 'He had a big problem'

Hazard struggled during an injury-hit first season in Spain.
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Ben Hayward29 September 2020

Real Madrid coach Zinedine ZIdane says Eden Hazard is training well and insists the Belgian will not be rushed back into action after an injury-hit debut season in Spain.

Hazard joined Madrid from Chelsea last year in a deal which could cost Los Blancos up to €160 million, but the 29-year-old made just 22 appearances and scored only one goal in 2018-19 after struggling with a troublesome ankle injury for much of the campaign.

The former Lille attacker has also been criticised for his fluctuating weight, having turned up for pre-season in questionable shape last year.

Asked if he had lacked professionalism, Zidane said (in reference to his injury) on Tuesday: "I don't think so. He had a big problem: it has bothered him for a long time. Now it seems he is OK.

"What we want, and him above all, is for him to be free from those niggling problems. The season is very long. He wants to be with his team-mates, to help and to feel good."

The Belgian has yet to feature for Real this term, but could be back for Madrid's LaLiga clash at home to Real Valladolid on Wednesday night.

"He looks very close," ZIdane said. "He's ready. He is training well with the team. We know he hasn't trained much up until now.

"Now he is training regularly with us and he is looking good. Let's see how we do things."