Eden Hazard will make his first start for seven weeks in Belgium’s final Group B game against Finland on Monday night, fearing that he may never get over the ankle injury plaguing his career.
Hazard is understood to have considered a third ankle surgery in March, but opted to rest instead.
It meant the 30-year-old winger started just seven games for Real Madrid in La Liga this season, continuing a miserable spell since joining from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £130million.
Hazard’s last start came in the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea last month, and he faces Finland in St Petersburg on Monday night with Belgium’s place in the knockout phase already assured.
‘I’ve never doubted my own qualities,’ he said. ‘I’ve doubted maybe going through enough injuries. I didn’t know whether I’d be at my best. I’ve actually broken my ankle three times and I don’t know if it will ever be the same again.
‘It won’t be the same as it was 10 years ago when I was starting out, but that’s life.
‘I try not to think about the injury. If I think about it then I will refrain from really getting stuck in. If I start being worried about contact then I shouldn’t be on the pitch should I?’
Watford have expressed interest in Finland midfielder Glen Kamara. The 25-year-old, is a firm favourite at Scottish champions Rangers but has only one year left on his contract.
chizzlekay
596
Broken ankle three times? Damn! We only gather here to criticize these guys but mehn this is so scary to read. Broken ankle three times and we still insult them to get to their best even they are trying to We supporters need to chill
Mohammadshakeel
453
This is what Ronaldo did the best. Ronaldo had a knee injury in 2014. Most will know after which he never dribbled like before. His pace, dribbling and free kick all were affected by that injury. The guy completely changed his game. He started playing around the box and than ask the ball. He made himself a deadly finisher. Right foot, left foot, header. doesn't matter. The guy was in right position. His movement is amazing. The difference is now that Hazard won't be able to change the way he plays like Ronaldo. that's the difference what make Ronaldo better than all.
Rotcdeiosz
183
No matters what happen to u(E. Hazard) u gonna always be my favorite player to watch🙄🙄🙄 One Love♥️♥️♥️♥️
epjo
119
work hard EDEN HAZARD still you are the best in MADRID team Phil JONES is missing you
Legendkiller7
18
Broken ankle three times? Damn! We only gather here to criticize these guys but mehn this is so scary to read. Broken ankle three times and we still insult them to get to their best even they are trying to We supporters need to chill
True . Most of people don’t know how scary and painful ankle injuries are. Currently i am also facing one and 3/4 months passed still unable to play or even run. Not to mention hazard had 2 surgeries or more on his ankle and that is the biggest part in his downfall. There may be other issues also like rumors that he is lazy etc but injury can take away best version of yourself and take away that strength and confidence as well. I know cause i am going through same.