EDEN HAZARD is back in training and on a twin mission – two months after Real Madrid’s £115million summer recruit injured his ankle.
The former Chelsea playmaker is anxious to win over Bernabeu fans and help Real dethrone Barcelona – but looked relaxed enough as he took part in ballwork in a gentle comeback.
Real Madrid midfielder Eden Hazard will hope to be in first-team contention soon after recovering from his ankle injuryCredit: Getty – Contributor
The 29-year-old’s return has surely come too soon for boss Zinedine Zidane to risk him in Sunday’s LaLiga clash at Valladolid.
But Belgium midfielder Hazard wants to quickly make up for his disappointing first half of the season, including just one goal in 13 games.
He certainly looked in peak shape on Thursday at Real’s Valdebebas training base.
But even his weight was one aspect questioned when many supporters slated his early displays.
Hazard himself admitted this month he had piled on 11 pounds while holidaying just before his Real arrival.
But he insisted he only lets his body go when on vacation – then loses the weight just as rapidly.
He told AS: “I gained five kilos in summer. I am one of those who gain weight quickly and lose it fast if I pay attention.
“When I was 18, in Lille, I weighed 72 (11 st 4lbs) 73 kilos . Then, when I gained muscle mass, I went to 75 – On a bad day, 77.
“This summer I reached 80 kilos (12st, 8lbs). I lost everything in ten days.”
Hazard returns to fitness with Real second on goal difference behind Barca, who face what seems a tougher trip this weekend, to Valencia on Saturday.
The Belgian spoke to AS about his first season in the Spanish capital
Man United concede defeat to Real Madrid in transfer race to sign Ajax star Donny van de Beek
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
