REAL MADRID have suffered a huge blow after Eden Hazard was ruled out of the upcoming El Clasico with a “fractured ankle”.
The Belgian superstar, 28, sustained the blow during a rash challenge from Paris Saint-Germain’s Thomas Meunier – his international team-mate – during last week’s Champions League clash.
Eden Hazard has been ruled out of Real Madrid’s upcoming clash with BarcelonaCredit: Getty
He was initially only ruled out for 10 days, but fears have been mounting after he was spotted still using crutches to walk.
That made him a huge doubt for this month’s crunch top-of-the-table La Liga clash with arch-rivals Barcelona.
Now Madrid have confirmed they have discovered a small fracture in the former Chelsea attacker’s ankle – which has almost certainly ruled him out of the showdown at the Nou Camp on December 18.
A statement from the Spanish giants said: “Following tests carried out on our player, Eden Hazard, by Real Madrid’s medical department, the development of the perimalleolar bruising in his right leg has seen him diagnosed with an incomplete external microfracture in the aforementioned area.
“His recovery will continue to be assessed.”
Hazard has struggled with his fitness since joining the Galacticos from Chelsea in the summer.
He has only bagged one goal and provided four assists out of his 13 appearances.
And news of his latest setback is a bitter pill for manager Zinedine Zidane to swallow as Los Blancos continue to battle Barca in the La Liga title race.
Both teams have recorded 31 points out of their opening 14 matches, with just one goal putting the Catalans in top spot of their bitter enemies.
Madrid have Espanyol and a trip to Valencia to come before El Clasico, with a home game against Athletic Bilbao on December 22 their final one before the winter break.
Hazard looks certain to miss the first two, but even if he does recover in time to train, it seems highly doubtful he would be risked against Barca or if he would be match fit.
Meanwhile, Meunier has revealed he failed in an attempt to contact Hazard and apologise following the 2-2 draw.
He told French outlet La Derniere Heure: “I am honestly sad. I tried to contact him directly after the match, but I couldn’t reach him.
“Aside from that, I saw two or three of his team-mates who said that he had taken quite a hit. I cross my fingers that it is not too bad.
“If there is one player who I really don’t want to injure, it’s Eden.”
The Belgian limped off against PSG in the Champions League last week following a rash challengeCredit: Getty
Hazard is now almost certain to be out for the trip to the Nou Camp on December 18Credit: Getty
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane confirms Eden Hazard twisted ankle injury but does not give anymore details
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
