Zidane: “Houssem Aouar can play for Real Madrid one day, but not now”

Zinedine Zidane addressed the media on Saturday, a day when Real Madrid have been linked with Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar. Zidane was asked about his countryman and praised Aouar, while dismissing the notion that he could sign for Real Madrid this summer. “I don’t know what information you have,” Zidane replied when asked about this transfer rumours. “He is a great player, I know that. Maybe one day he can play for Real Madrid, but right now we have this squad and we’re going with this squad.”

The squad Zidane referred to is one that has been rocked by injuries, most notably those of Eden Hazard, Toni Kroos, Dani Carvajal and Álvaro Odriozola. On the injury crisis, Zidane said: “I’m not worried, but I don’t like this. It’s frustrating, but we’ll carry on with the rest of the players we have. I don’t like to look at negative things like injuries, but we have to accept this and we won’t make excuses. There is a lot of talent in my squad, but also a lot heart.”

Hazard is pne of the injured players and Zidane was asked if he is concerned that the Belgian could go down the same path as Gareth Bale. He replied: “No, I’m positive and Hazard is too. It’s a muscular injury, the kind that comes from working so hard to return. But his injury is fine.”

The coach also previewed Sunday’s match away at Levante, who won 1-0 in this fixture last season. He said: “It was difficult last season, but we’ve prepared well. It’ll be difficult, but we’re prepared.”