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The Frenchman revealed that he is being cautious of the Belgian winger, who has had a streak of injuries since moving to Spain.
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has admitted that he did not want to risk Eden Hazard in Wednesday’s win against Granada because it was a “difficult game”.
The Whites won their sixth straight game with a 2-0 La Liga win over Granada at the Bernabéu to tie on points with league leaders Atlético, who are two games short.
Hazard was an unused substitute, as Madrid continued their positive momentum on Wednesday thanks to goals from Casemiro and Karim Benzema.
That’s despite the fact that Rodrygo Goes suffered an injury in the first half, and Zidane chose to send Marco Asensio instead of the Belgian international.
Hazard, who joined the capital club from Chelsea before the 2019-20 season, has already missed 46 games due to a variety of injuries, including a broken foot, coronavirus and various muscle problems in his legs.
A thigh injury suffered in November marked Hazard for three weeks before he returned to Zidane’s call-up to face Granada, but the Los Blancos manager said afterward that the 29-year-old’s return would be staggered.
“I didn’t think it was right [to bring on Hazard] because it was a difficult match, “Zidane said at his post-match press conference.
“We have to do those things at the right time. He did not want to risk it again. Now we rest and little by little he will return to the team.”
With Hazard back in shape, Zidane was delighted with the performance of the rest of the team with Granada posing a significant threat at halftime, despite the home side dominating most of the possession.
The French strategist highlighted Casemiro for his contribution both in attack and defense.
“The team worked very hard tonight, the game was very difficult,” said Zidane.
“Granada pressured us well and made things difficult for us. In the second half we improved. I am happy for the players and their sixth consecutive victory is not easy.”
“We know that Casemiro can attack the area and defensively we already know his presence. The goal was beautiful, it comes from the second row. I am happy for him and for the team.”
Real Madrid’s next game arrives in La Liga on the road against Elche on December 30.
