The Belgian suffered a new injury blow at the weekend and the Blancos boss doesn’t know when the winger will return.
Zinedine Zidane is unsure if Eden Hazard will play again this year but has warranted Real Madrid’s handling of the forward’s ankle injury issues following his most recent lay-off.
The Belgium international hobbled off in the second half of Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Levante on Saturday and scans the next day confirmed that he suffered a hairline fracture to his ankle.
Madrid did not set a time on his return, but it marked a massive blow before a midweek Champions League experience with Manchester City and Sunday’s Clasico clash with Barcelona.
And Zidane does not know whether the 29-year-old – that had just returned from a three-month lack with a similar dilemma – will be fit until the close of the campaign.
“I can not tell you. It’s not easy to say,” Zidane said in a news conference before Wednesday’s last-16 first-leg meeting with City.
“We do not know if he is going to be operated on, but he is obviously not satisfied. He’d been out for almost 3 months and then played two matches and picked up an injury.
“Obviously it’s extremely bad news for him, but I can not tell you if he is going to be back before the season is finished.”
Madrid are allegedly deliberating over whether to operate on Hazard, who’s set to miss more actions for Los Blancos in his maiden effort than he did in seven seasons with former side Chelsea.
However, Zidane insists it’s not a simple call to make and is only hoping to find a totally fit Hazard back in action sooner rather than later.
“I am not the ideal person to let you know what should have been done and what should not have,” he said. “Obviously we are unhappy about his injury.
“It comes at a bad moment and I feel bad for him because he wanted to play and help us and now he is out again. It’s sad of course.
“I only hope when he is back again he is absolutely fit. That is what he needs and what we want. However, it is a difficult moment for him.
“I can not tell you what I see in his eyes but I can tell you he is not content. It is very important for him to remain positive but it’s a terrible moment for him.
“It will not be easy and he’ll feel like this for some time. He enjoys being with us and helping us that will not change – but knowing he can not play right now is quite bad news for him.”
