Eden Hazard remains on crutches despite initial assessments suggesting he would miss 10 days after his injury against Paris Saint-Germain.
Eden Hazard limped out of Real Madrid's 2-2 Champions League draw with Paris Saint-Germain last week after suffering an ankle injury in a challenge by full-back Thomas Meunier.
Hazard still on crutches, Clásico hopes diminishing
Hazard's recovery time was initially estimated at about 10 days, but it appears that the Belgian could take longer than expected to return to action. The winger is still on crutches and it apppears doubtful that he'll make it back in time for the LaLiga visit to Valencia on 15 December.
Not only that, but the 28-year-old could well also miss the Clásico trip to face Barcelona at the Camp Nou on 18 December, because even if he recovers from the injury in time, he may well be lacking the necessary match fitness to play in such a demanding fixture.
According to the medical report issued by the club the day after the PSG game, the former Chelsea star has an "external bruise on his right leg". The injury came at the worst possible time, with Hazard just beginning to find form and sharpness after a slow start to life at the Bernabéu.
Hazard still experiencing pain in right ankle
Of particular concern is the fact that Hazard - who in photos of last night's team dinner only appears sitting down and with his leg out of shot - continues to experience pain in his right ankle. His unavailability paves the way for Gareth Bale to stay in the starting line-up...
neer64
397
No please. We want the full madrid first team squad, so we can witmess a cracker of a game. The same vibes and craziness.