Hazard could return from his injury for Real Madrid’s away game against Villarreal

Real Madrid attacker Eden Hazard received very bad news when he injured his thigh in last Friday’s training session. Hazard was forced to miss Real’s season opener —would’ve been his debut with the club— and appeared ready to miss at least three weeks. However, Madrid’s medical staff have corrected the initial medical report and Hazard is now on track to return from his injury when Los Blancos visit Villarreal on Sunday, September 1st, according to a report from MARCA.

Hazard is expected to be the leader of Real Madrid’s offensive line this season, so his potential return for what will surely be a tough away game is great news for Zinedine Zidane and the rest of the coaching staff.

Still, Madrid should not take any chances with Hazard’s recovery given how tricky these muscle injuries are. Unless he’s 100% ready to go and there’s no risk of another injury, it would be wiser for Hazard to wait until September 14th —right after the FIFA break— to make his return.

A potential recovery before the away match against Villarreal would force the Belgian national team to give him minutes against both San Marino and Scotland, —two games in just three days— something which would increase Hazard’s chances of suffering a relapse.

Still, Real Madrid’s staff will surely be cautious with Hazard knowing that it’s too early in the season to risk a serious injury. If he’s not completely ready to play, coach Zidane will be patient as he’s been with other players in the past.