EDEN HAZARD returned to Real Madrid action during Saturday’s last-gasp win over Elche after ‘working harder than ever’ to prove himself to Zinedine Zidane.
The former Chelsea superstar, 30, has missed the last seven matches with the latest in a long line of frustrating knocks.
Eden Hazard played the final 15 minutes of the last-gasp win over ElcheCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
Eden Hazard was named on the bench for Real Madrid’s clash with Elche after seven games outCredit: Rex Features
In all, Hazard has managed just 35 matches totalling 2,176 minutes since his £150million move to Real Madrid nearly two years ago.
The Belgian has now missed 24 games this season alone through various injuries.
But after questions were raised over his future at the Bernabeu following his latest knock, Hazard has been hitting the gym ‘harder than ever’, according to Goal.
And he was passed fit to be named in the match-day squad for Saturday’s LaLiga clash with Elche, with Zidane naming him among the subs.
With the score poised at 1-1 and just 15 minutes to go, Hazard replaced Vinicius Jr with Zidane’s FOURTH change in Los Blancos’ quest to find a winner.
Ultimately, Karim Benzema’s 91st-minute goal secured a vital three points for Real in their hunt for back-to-back LaLiga titles having already scored the equaliser after 73 minutes.
Before the game, Zidane reiterated his faith in Hazard, saying: “He looks well physically and emotionally.
“He’s overcome all these injuries, these aches and now he looks good.
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Karim Benzema scored two late goals, including a 91st-minute winner, as Real Madrid edged past ElcheCredit: Reuters
Hazard has been working ‘harder than ever’ in training to get fit, say reportsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“That’s why he’s with us and I hope he can play.
“He had a lengthy injury that he hadn’t had before, but he has a long contract.
“I think he’s a player who, when he gets fit, is going to be great, I’m certain of it.
“It’s difficult when a player has an injury and isn’t 100 per cent.
“But I’m sure he’s going to do very well here.”
Hazard himself revealed he aims to play for ‘at least another five or six years’ despite his persistent niggles.
The ex-Chelsea man said: “When it comes to the end of my career I can look back at my achievements.
“But my priority now is playing well and enjoying my football.
“I don’t think about where I will be in the next few years, I try to focus on the next match and the next training session.
“I’ve only just turned 30 so as long as my body feels good.
“Hopefully I can keep playing for at least another five or six years.”
Eden Hazard’s spectacular training ground rabona
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
