Eden Hazard in contention to start for Real Madrid against Chelsea as Zidane plans emerge

Zinedine Zidane intends to start Eden Hazard against Chelsea

According to Express, Zinedine Zidane has plans of starting Eden Hazard against Chelsea. This report comes after the player made his first start for the club in 3 months against Osasuna, which means that he is in contention to start against his former club.

Hazard lit up Stamford Bridge during his 7-year stay at the club since he joined from Lille in 2012. And he got his dream move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2019 for an eye-watering £89m. But that has not worked out for him so far. The Belgian winger was troubled by a serious ankle injury in his first season and fitness issues have continued to haunt him this campaign as well.

Nonetheless, Hazard made his much-awaited appearance after injuries as he took the field against his former club in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. The Belgian made a little cameo as he showed off some of his usual tricks. It was even more encouraging to see Hazard start his first game since January, against Osasuna.

Now, reports in Spain have suggested that the former Chelsea man is in line to start against his former club. This will be the first time in two seasons that Hazard will step foot at Stamford Bridge as he tries to help Real overpower his former employers.

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Chelsea have a small advantage due to the away goal. That means Real Madrid will have to score at least once to avoid losing the tie. The Blues have been resolute at the back this season and they have it in them to hold Hazard and co. at bay for 90 minutes. However, they could get chances to score, with Real Madrid set to chase an away goal.