Real Madrid take on Girona at Montilivi, hoping to maintain their second spot in the league, amid pressure from cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid.
The reigning European champions have announced their squad, featuring youngsters such as Sergio Arribas and Mario Martin. Eden Hazard was one of the major absentees from the squad.
According to Jorge C Picon, Hazard missed out of the Real Madrid squad to face Girona because of a blow to his ankle during training today. The attacker is set to undergo tests to determine the extent of his injury.
This serves as yet another blow for Hazard, who has had a forgettable spell at Real Madrid. He has struggled with a series of injuries, which has led to his dissipating role in the first team. The Belgian has only featured in just five league matches this term.
Hazard is also yet to score in La Liga this season, which is indicative of his dismal record at Real Madrid. However, it must be noted that the attacker was unlikely to feature even if he was fit.
Over the last nine league matches, Hazard was part of the Real Madrid squad all nine times. But the former Chelsea superstar featured on the pitch only twice during that period, with Carlo Ancelotti favouring other options.
When asked today if the Belgian had spoken to him about his situation, Ancelotti said: “We haven’t spoken much. I don’t ask players to come and talk. If they need to talk, I’m always ready.”
Hazard’s chances of featuring in the team could have increased during the final phase of the league campaign as Real Madrid would be focusing on the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League. But his recent injury means that it is unlikely to happen any longer.