Real Madrid have been dealt a huge blow ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash with Manchester City this week, with Eden Hazard ruled out through injury.
The Belgian international was taken off during their 1-0 defeat to Levante yesterday, and a statement on the club's official website today has revealed the extent of the damage.
"Following the tests carried out today on our player, Eden Hazard, by the Real Madrid medical department, he has been diagnosed with a fracture to his right distal fibula. His recovery will continue to be assessed."
The fractured ankle means the 29-year-old will certainly miss Wednesday night's Champions League last-16 first leg at the Bernabéu.
The length of Hazard's absence is not yet known, although he will also miss next Sunday's El Clásico derby against Barcelona in La Liga.
Hazard medical report.#RealMadrid
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 23, 2020
The 1-0 defeat at Levante yesterday, coupled with a Lionel Messi-inspired 5-0 win for Barcelona over Eibar, leaves Barca now top of the La Liga standings by two points.
Real boss Zinedine Zidane said after the Levante defeat that he was disappointed with a number of aspects of his team's display.
“We feel bad after creating chances for a goal in the first half and that was all we lacked. We got into their half a lot and had chances, but we did not get a goal, which is the most important thing. After the break, they came at us and got a goal.
“We went from good to not so good. After the break, we struggled. They made one real attempt and scored a goal, that is the reality. We know we can move forward and we need the energy of the whole squad to do that.
"We're annoyed because we did not get the win, but we have a game in three days so we need to focus on that. Next week we are going to put it all on the line so we need to build on the good stuff we've done so far”.
