Zidane says Hazard could return for Real Madrid's UCL tie with Atalanta

Zinedine Zidane has revealed Eden Hazard could return from injury in time to feature in Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Atalanta.

The Belgian star suffered a muscle injury in January, the latest in a long line of setbacks that have blighted his time in Madrid.

But the Real Madrid manager is hopeful Hazard will be back in contention for their last-16 first leg tie away at Atalanta on February 24.

Zidane said: 'He's already back on the pitches and doing well. We hope he can work with the rest of the team next week.'

Prior to his latest lay-off, Hazard had suffered two other muscle problems this season, as well as missing games due to contracting Covid-19.

He has made just six La Liga starts this season, and in each of those has failed to play the full 90 minutes - he has not completed 90 minutes for Real since November 2019.

Speaking after Hazard suffered his latest injury, Zidane back his player to return to his best and finally find his best form in a Madrid shirt and overcome his troubles.

'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,' he said.

'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.'

Injuries have been a familiar theme across Hazard's time in Madrid since he signed from Chelsea in June 2019 for an initial £88m fee that could potentially rise to £150m.

His current injury is the seventh major one since his arrival, and the 30-year-old has scored just four goals for Real in 18 months.

Despite that poor return, Zidane will be grateful to have him back ahead of a crucial run of fixtures that will define a season that has so far been underwhelming.

The Frenchman has had just 12 fit senior players to choose from recently, with the likes of Sergio Ramos, Toni Kroos, and Fede Valverde all joining Hazard on the sidelines.

Real sit second in La Liga, eight points behind Atletico Madrid, and they travel to face Diego Simeone's side in between the two legs against Atalanta.