Real Madrid

Eden Hazard's injury woes have left Zinedine Zidane playing a guessing game as to whether the player who cost Real Madrid an initial £88.5 million will feature again this season.

Hazard moved from Chelsea last summer but has since been blighted by fitness problems. The winger was out for over two months with a damaged foot, before his return was cut short after just two matches when Hazard fractured his ankle during Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Levante.

Zidane spoke about the extent of the injury ahead of Real's UEFA Champions League first-leg meeting with Manchester City in the last 16 on Wednesday. The Frenchman offered an uncertain and rather bleak prognosis, per MailOnline's Jonathan Spencer:

"I can't tell you. It is hard to say. We don't know if he will be operated on, but he's obviously not happy. He had been out for almost three months and then played two games and picked up an injury. Obviously it is very bad news for him, but I can't tell you if he's going to be back before the season is over."

Zidane's ominous words come shortly after a similarly negative prediction from Belgium boss Roberto Martinez.

Injuries have limited Hazard to a mere 14 starts in all competitions this season. It's a far cry from the 29-year-old's time as a regular feature for the Blues.

Hazard came to Real's attention because of his dynamic performances as the attacking talisman for Chelsea. Los Blancos were counting on his pace, trickery and vision providing the spark lost when Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Juventus in 2018.

Yet one goal and two assists is all Real have gotten for an investment that looks ill-fated so far. The cruel nature of Hazard's latest setback is how it came on the heels of one of his better games for Real, a 2-2 draw at home to Celta Vigo.

Zidane's team looks pedestrian up top without Hazard's mix of artistry and power. Centre-forward Karim Benzema has been delivering, finding the net 18 times this season, but the Frenchman lacks credible support.

Benzema will plough a lone furrow against City, with Hazard missing out, while there are doubts over the extent of the availability of Gareth Bale and Luka Jovic. The pair were sent home from training while suffering from gastroenteritis.

Winger Bale had already been struggling to convince Zidane of his worth, making just 12 starts during the campaign. It's a similar story for James Rodriguez, a player with the flair and versatility to match Hazard, but one Zidane has only handed seven starts to so far this term.

James remains on the outside looking in, while Bale and Jovic are at least in the squad to face City at the Santiago Bernabeu.

There is also a place for 19-year-old Vinicius Junior, who has obvious potential but remains inexperienced at the highest level. Meanwhile, Isco possesses the technique and eye for goal to offer some of what Hazard was expected to bring to Zidane's optimum XI.

On the surface, Los Merengues have more than enough options to cope if Hazard misses the rest of the season. Even so, coping will demand Zidane brings Bale and James in from the cold.

In the meantime, questions will persist about whether Hazard can ever live up to expectations in the Spanish capital. Injuries haven't been the only issue, with the subject of the player's conditioning and weight an ongoing concern.

There is no question a fully fit Hazard can inspire any team. Yet former glories are rarely enough to convince at Real, where the pressure to deliver is higher.

Hazard needs to come back better than ever to answer these demands.

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has described his relationship with the club as "magnificent" amid rumours the two parties are yet to discuss a contract extension. 

Ramos, 33, has a contract at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu until the summer of 2021. Sergio Santos Chozas of AS wrote in late February that Real are yet to open talks over new terms and are reluctant to give the defender the two-year deal he's understood to be seeking.

The captain said his rapport with Real remains strong when he spoke at a press conference ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League clash at home to Manchester City, per The Independent's Dermot Corrigan:

Ramos on future "The relationship with the club is magnificent in every way. So there is no rush on any side - mine or club. I've never made extra demands, I understand club's policy with players of certain age. If club wants me to say, I'll stay, no need to worry."

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) February 25, 2020

Real host Pep Guardiola's Citizens in the first leg of their round-of-16 matchup, where Ramos will hope to inspire a resurgence after his side have won just once in their last four games across all competitions.

His relaxed attitude over the contract matter suggests the 170-times capped Spain star—an all-time record for the national team—perhaps would be open to considering a move away from the Bernabeu.

Manager Zinedine Zidane told reporters prior to Saturday's shock 1-0 league defeat at Levante: "I always want to have Sergio with me. I see him very well."

Ramos—who joined Los Blancos from Sevilla in 2005—continued to praise the talents of Zidane, with whom he won three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018: 

Ramos on Zidane: "The boss is the best person at managing the nerves, in weeks like this. It has gone well with him over the years, we show personality and are never afraid no matter who we face."

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) February 25, 2020

The veteran has in the past hinted at ending his time at the Bernabeu. He said in May 2019 that he intended to see out the remainder of his current contract following a tempting offer from the Chinese Super League, per Sky Sports' Husmukh Kerai.

Real president Florentino Perez said at the time the club had rejected Ramos' request to discuss the transfer.

A move to China's top flight looks much less likely after overseas signings were limited to earning £2 million after tax in December (around £39,000 per week), per Xinhua (h/t Sky Sports News).

Real's on-pitch leader called for unity following the loss at Levante:

We're pissed off, but we can't allow our heads to drop. We have to reset now and tomorrow push harder than ever before for a very important week. We're counting on you.#HalaMadrid https://t.co/I50gYI3qef

— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) February 22, 2020

It's to be expected that the Spanish giants would be wary of awarding their player a substantial extension considering he'll be 35 by the time his current agreement comes to an end.

Ramos will hope to remind Real of the value he holds when they host City.

Sanse goalkeeper Xabi Irureta has criticised Real Madrid starlet Rodrygo Goes for reacting "like a brat" after he was sent off while playing for the Spanish giants' Castilla side on Sunday.

Rodrygo, 19, hasn't featured in La Liga since January 26 and has been omitted from Zinedine Zidane's last four matchday squads in Spain's top flight. His suspension means he'll be unavailable for Sunday's Clasico clash at home to Barcelona:

Rodrygo will be suspended for next week's Clasico after being sent off playing for Real Madrid Castilla 😬 pic.twitter.com/yWUj7an2DA

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 23, 2020

The teenager scored Real's second as the Castilla team beat San Sebastian de los Reyes 2-0 at home but was then shown a second yellow for celebrating excessively in the face of opposition goalkeeper Irureta.

The former Eibar stopper told Spanish radio station Cadena SER (h/t Mario Cortegana of AS):

"The move started with an unintentional elbow [on a San Sebastian de los Reyes player]. We'd all seen it, and [I asked him] why he had played on instead of putting the ball out.

"He reacted a bit...like a brat, I'd say. He has a lot to learn about respect. I wasn't at all disagreeable with him about it, and he started acting like that."

Irureta confronted his opponent immediately after Rodrygo chipped in to score an impressive solo effort, and the Brazilian responded by waving his arms above his head to rub salt further into the wound.

Real Madrid's official YouTube account posted the entire Castilla match (Rodrygo's goal begins at one hour, 14 minutes and 30 seconds):

New signing Reinier Jesus made his Castilla debut on Sunday and assisted Alvaro Fidalgo for the breakthrough during the first half.

Rodrygo joined Los Blancos from Santos last summer—one year after a deal was announced in June 2018— beginning his career with the youth team before earning his first-team bow in September 2019.

He scored on his senior debut against Osasuna and later became the youngest player to net a perfect hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League when he put three past Galatasaray in November (UK viewers only):

Cortegana reported Zidane held a meeting with the player on Friday to explain why he had been dropped back to Raul's Castilla team, and Rodrygo was said to have been "delighted with the gesture."

Real hope to steal the edge back from Barcelona at the top of La Liga having suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Levante on Saturday, allowing their most bitter rivals to restore a two-point lead.  

Real Madrid's approach to transfers has received a major facelift over the last few years.

Rather than almost exclusively pursuing Galactico signings—paying big money for the established, best players—they've nuanced their approach, casting their net for the best young stars on the market as well as promoting generously from their excellent academy.

It's led to Madrid accruing quite the bloated squad, and with players' interests in mind, many have departed on loan. They're perfecting their craft away from the Bernabeu, preparing themselves for what they hope is a starring role in white sooner rather than later.

But how likely are they to achieve that dream?

We've narrowed Los Blancos' loanees to a field of 10 and then ranked them on their chances of breaking into Zinedine Zidane's first team. There's no timeline specified—each case is different and explained—but the higher a player is ranked, the more likely it is we think he'll crack the first-team squad at some point.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MhyToyUfks

        

10. Luca Zidane, Goalkeeper, Racing Santander

Given Real Madrid's stature and strength in depth, it may not surprise you that there are some weak cases to establish themselves among the loanees. We start with a few of those.

In a meritocracy, Luca Zidane isn't close to Real Madrid standard, but he remains part of the club perhaps in part because that surname holds some weight. No one is expecting Luca to take the job between the sticks at the Bernabeu, though.

        

9. Borja Mayoral, Striker, Levante

Mayoral looked a tidy forward when coming through at youth level, mixing capable finishing with good link-up play around the box. You could tell he'd been watching and learning from Karim Benzema, perhaps the master of that latter skill among elite forwards.

But senior football hasn't quite gone to plan for the 22-year-old, with loan moves to Wolfsburg and Levante featuring plenty of substitute appearances and just 11 league goals in two-and-a-half years.

There remains a budding player in there, but the odds of reaching Real Madrid's required level from this point seem slim.

      

8. Dani Ceballos, Central Midfielder, Arsenal

Ceballos is a lovely player, and he's shown in flashes over the last three years just how smooth an operator he can be. But with him it's not a question of talent; it's a question of consistency, fitness and momentum.

Let's be clear: you can be very good and still not be at Madrid's required level for midfield. Ceballos might well be filed as that.

If he puts together a serious run of form for Arsenal between now and May, there's a chance he hits pre-season with some momentum and confidence and can pique Zidane's interest. If things continue as they have, though, Zidane is more likely to continue pursuing Paul Pogba for that same midfield spot.

There's still a chance Ceballos reaches the level required to play for Los Blancos—his ceiling is high enough—but he may have to take a permanent step away from the club first to reach it.

     

7. Alvaro Odriozola, Full-Back, Bayern Munich

That Odriozola was allowed to leave Madrid on loan this winter doesn't bode well for his future at the club.

He was the only "natural" backup to Dani Carvajal, with Nacho and Eder Militao classed more as centre-backs capable of standing in, so to send him out without a required purchase option in the deal is telling.

Zidane is probably hoping he strikes a rhythm at Bayern Munich and rediscovers his level—it's easy to forget, but Odriozola was some player back at Real Sociedad as a roaming full-back with limitless stamina and good ball-carrying ability—ahead of either a reassimilation or a summer sale.

As it stands, the latter seems more likely, not just because of Zidane's reluctance to use him over the last year, but because of another right-back also out on loan who is impressing greatly (we'll get to him soon).

      

6. Takefusa Kubo, Midfielder, RCD Mallorca 

Kubo generated immense buzz in the summer after Madrid stole him away from Barcelona's clutches. With him crossing that storied divide, you can forgive the fans for hoping beyond hope that he turns into a superstar—just imagine if he did, given the circumstances in which they acquired him.

But he's not ready yet. Not close, really. His loan to Real Mallorca this season has been a slow, steady introduction to senior football—11 starts and 11 substitute appearances in La Liga speak to the tempering that's occurring.

Kubo has had some standout games and moments this term, scoring a few goals (one of which was a brilliant solo effort against Real Betis), but there's much work to be done.

There probably won't be a place for him in Real Madrid's 2020-21 squad—it's just too crowded a position—meaning his next loan is crucial to assessing his first-team chances in the future.

        

5. Oscar Rodriguez, Midfielder, Leganes

Arguably the least known name outside of Spain on this list, Oscar has flown under the radar despite seriously impressing this season. He's quietly honing his craft in a way the others haven't been able to.

The Leganes team he's playing on isn't great, and with both of their strikers (Youssef En-Nesyri and Martin Braithwaite) taken off them in the last two months, they'll be leaning on him more than ever.

His most obvious brilliance comes in the form of a set piece. His free-kicks are wicked—only Lionel Messi has scored more of them in La Liga this season—and, perhaps unsurprisingly, his long-range shooting is vicious. He also times his runs into the box to arrive onto passes well.

Like Kubo, there's no way he'll be ready for Real Madrid next season, and he could use another campaign out on loan.

      

4. Andriy Lunin, Goalkeeper, Real Oviedo

There's no doubt Thibaut Courtois will command a place between the sticks for Real Madrid for years to come, so any young shot-stopper at the club must accept a harsh reality: The best you'll get is the cup goalkeeper role.

There's every chance Lunin grows into that player in a few years. He showed at the 2019 Under-20 World Cup that he's an extremely well-rounded prospect, good in every department and weak in none, and Madrid are trying to develop him. Alphonse Areola was loaned in to back up Courtois this term, in part so that Lunin could get out and play.

Perhaps the 2020-21 season is too soon, but in 2021-22, he could be ready to be cup goalkeeper.

      

3. Sergio Reguilon, Full-Back, Sevilla

Julen Lopetegui's short, doomed reign as Real Madrid boss didn't yield too many success stories, but Reguilon's emergence at left-back was certainly one. There were spells of that when he benched stalwart Marcelo and performed well in a tough situation.

Zidane didn't take as much of a shine to him, allowing him to link back up with Lopetegui on loan at Sevilla this season, where he has once again impressed. Actually, "impressed" puts it too lightly; he's been killing it, and we named him in La Liga's All-Star XI earlier this month.

Where once Reguilon perhaps seemed a short-term solution, he's now a legitimate option for Real Madrid to consider for the 2020-21 season. He'd hardly be a guaranteed starter—particularly when Ferland Mendy is ticking along so nicely in that left-back berth—but as the reserve option? That could work.

The issue he may find is his inclusion brings us to an uncomfortable topic: the decline of Marcelo, and what his role is after this season. He's rightly adored by fans of the club, but performances this season have been a touch wobbly. With Reguilon playing well, there might be a hard decision to make soon.

       

2. Achraf Hakimi, Full-Back, Borussia Dortmund

Hakimi's two-year loan at Borussia Dortmund will go down as a huge success. He's developed into quite the player in Germany, producing dominant offensive performances at both Bundesliga and Champions League level, scoring some spectacular goals in the process.

There aren't many in the world who mix his style of strength, speed, directness and final-third ability. He can run the length of the pitch with the ball at his feet, resembling something akin to an early-stage Gareth Bale, and his two goals and 10 assists in the league this season speak to his productivity.

He attacks with such gusto and aggressiveness that it's almost impossible to stop him penetrating the box and causing problems. His low cut-backs into the centre are dangerous, as are his shots.

It would be remiss to consider him the full package at this stage, though; questions abound over his defensive acumen, and for good reason.

Dortmund have utilised him at full-back, wing-back and winger, and the latter two certainly look more comfortable roles for him. There's also perhaps a lack of consistency to his game that could be solved with a little more experience.

He's good enough right now to play for Madrid, entering the defensive rotation and alternating with Carvajal, and in a few years he might well have claimed the starting berth outright.

     

1. Martin Odegaard, Midfielder, Real Sociedad 

When the time comes for Odegaard to command a place in the Real Madrid first team—and that moment will come, have no doubt—it will close the chapter on the bewildering narrative dogging the early stages of his career.

Since signing for Los Blancos in January 2015, he's undertaken a totally normal, well-paced development path. Heerenveen, Vitesse, Real Sociedad—three reasonable, staggered steps out on loan, to allow him to grow, mature and improve.

For some reason, some people have looked at that path and written him off as a bust. Perhaps because of the way he toured Europe's top clubs at age 16 as he decided his future, they expected a Neymar-like impact as a kid.

But Odegaard, who only turned 21 in December, is nearly ready for Real Madrid's level. The only question is whether he returns in 2020 or 2021, as the loan deal to La Real is for two years—and he has previously stated he will stay for the duration, per ESPN Deportes (h/t Football Espana).

His versatility helps his cause when it comes to projecting a role for him at the Bernabeu, as he can play as a right-winger, a No. 10 or a central midfielder. Perhaps by the time he returns, Bale will have left, meaning Odegaard and Rodrygo contest for his spot. Perhaps Luka Modric will be gone, opening up a central berth.

Zidane doesn't need to work out the details just yet, but in the back of his mind, he'll almost certainly be considering how Odegaard fits into his squad moving forward.

Listen to Sam every Wednesday on the B/R Football Ranks podcast. Subscribe here. 

      

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All statistics via WhoScored.com

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo will not be available for the upcoming Clasico against La Liga rivals Barcelona after he was sent off in Castilla's match against UD Sanse.

Per AS' Robbie Dunne, the Brazilian's suspension will carry over to the La Liga clash, scheduled for March 1.

Rodrygo scored in the 2-0 win for Castilla but was confronted by the goalkeeper after the goal and celebrated in his face. Already on a booking, he received his marching orders.

Esporte Interativo shared footage of the incident:

GOLAÇO + ENCARADA + EXPULSÃO + ABRAÇO NO REINIER! Se liga em tudo isso que o Rodrygo aprontou no Real Madrid Castilla!

🎥: @tatimantovani pic.twitter.com/YpxdrBVfqD

— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) February 23, 2020

The 19-year-old hasn't featured for the senior side since the Copa del Rey loss against Real Sociedad earlier this month, in which he scored. He was expected to join up with the squad for the Clasico, however, with a spot opening up following Eden Hazard's injury against Levante.

The Belgian will not be available for Real's biggest matches of the year to date:

BREAKING: Real Madrid have announced that Eden Hazard has fractured his right ankle.

He will miss Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Man City and next Sunday’s Clasico. pic.twitter.com/5htKCDAmAs

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 23, 2020

Rodrygo likely wouldn't have been a starter, but he could have made a big impact off the bench. The youngster has shown flashes of his tremendous talent so far this season, with four goals in the UEFA Champions League group stages.

Vinicius Junior replaced Hazard in the loss against Levante, while Lucas Vazquez also made an appearance off the bench. Both could be in line to start against Manchester City and Barcelona, but neither made much of an impact during the shock defeat over the weekend.

Scoring has been an issue at times for Real this season, mostly because of the struggles of their forwards. Karim Benzema and Isco have both netted just twice since the turn of the year.

The defenders have impressed, however, conceding a league-best 17 goals so far―tied with rivals Atletico Madrid. They'll have to be on their game against high-flying Barcelona, who have won four in a row in La Liga and have bagged 16 more goals than Los Blancos.

Eden Hazard will reportedly be out for at least two months after Real Madrid confirmed he had fractured his ankle in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Levante.

On Sunday, Real released a statement that the Belgian "has been diagnosed with a fracture to his right distal fibula."

According to AS, he is expected to be out for more than eight weeks as a result.

It's a bitter blow for both the club and the player, who was only making his second appearance since returning from a microfracture in the same ankle after a 16-match absence.

The Athletic's Liam Twomey felt for the winger:

Have to wonder whether eight years of being the most fouled player in the most physical league in Europe has taken a toll on Hazard’s body. He was remarkably durable at Chelsea

— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) February 22, 2020

HLN's Kristof Terreur provided details of Hazard's injury history:

Eden Hazard has played 667 games. He missed 52 games due to injury (7%). This season he has missed 5 games (muscle injury), and 17 due to a small fracture in his ankle after a kick from Meunier. His career: 10 minor muscle injuries, 1 broken ankle, 2 hairline fractures in ankle.

— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) February 23, 2020

Real signed the 29-year-old from Chelsea last summer for an initial €100 million, and they could pay the Blues more than half that fee again in potential add-ons.

In light of his latest injury, James Yorke of Stats Bomb questioned the wisdom of their decision to recruit him:

He's also already got 11 seasons in his legs, which feels like a lot. This is why you sign the 23-24yo equivalent, so if anything goes awry, you're rehabbing/reintegrating a 25-26yo and still have a good chance of their best years.

— James Yorke (@jair1970) February 23, 2020

Hazard suffered a hamstring injury in pre-season, which disrupted his preparations for the campaign and he missed the first three games of the season.

Perhaps as a result of that, he struggled to produce his best form early on. His performances were picking up, before he suffered the microfracture against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League on November 26.

Overall, he has played 15 times for his new side, scoring once and registering five assists.

His latest injury will force him to miss a crucial stage of the season. Real play Manchester City in the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday, before facing Barcelona⁠—who moved two points ahead of them in La Liga following the defeat to Levante⁠—next Sunday.

Sergio Ramos criticised referee Alejandro Jose Hernandez Hernandez after Real Madrid slipped to a shock 1-0 defeat against Levante on Saturday.

Ramos, who was booked 10 minutes into the match, felt Real should have been awarded two penalties for handballs.

ESPN FC's Alex Kirkland shared his comments:

Ramos on ref Hernández Hernández and his early card: "With this ref it doesn't surprise me at all... it makes you think, it seems like it's pre-determined. Before, you could talk to referees... It's outrageous, really, on a personal level. After, I asked him if it was personal"

— Alex Kirkland (@alexkirkland) February 22, 2020

Per Goal's Robin Bairner, he added: 

"The criteria is different. They gave a penalty against me for an involuntary handball in the Supercopa de Espana. Today, there are two and they don't give it.

"I'm annoyed with Hernandez Hernandez. Referees were more respectful before and captains could speak to them. The arrogance is something that you have or you don't have."

It is not the first time Ramos has complained after a match officiated by Hernandez Hernandez this season.

In December, he said the video assistant referee failed to award Real Madrid two penalties in their 0-0 draw with Barcelona after Raphael Varane appeared to be fouled twice by Ivan Rakitic and Clement Lenglet. Hernandez Hernandez did not consult the pitchside monitors to review the footage in either instance.

Levante won on Saturday thanks to Jose Luis Morales' superb strike in the 79th minute after Los Blancos had failed to capitalise on a number of chances throughout the game:

Football writer Dermot Corrigan felt Ramos was unfortunate to receive a yellow card:

Ramos maybe bit unlucky to be booked there - given ref had let two previous Levante fouls go.

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) February 22, 2020

Sports writer and commentator Andy West also thought there could have been several penalties for handballs during the match:

Football has a far bigger problem with the handball law than it has with VAR. Three penalties not given in Levante-Madrid that could easily have been given by another ref on another day. Way too much ambiguity, lack of clarity. Even players don't know what will or won't be given.

— Andy West (@andywest01) February 22, 2020

Eden Hazard, making his second appearance back in the side after 16 games out with a microfracture in his ankle, also limped out of the clash after a knock on the same ankle.

Real had opened up a three-point lead over Barcelona when the Catalan giants lost to Valencia in January, but after a 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo and their defeat to Levante, they are now two points behind their bitter rivals.

Los Blancos are set to face Barcelona in La Liga on March 1, but before then they will take on Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.

Real Madrid suffered another setback in the La Liga title race on Saturday, losing 1-0 to Levante eight days before a crucial El Clasico meeting with Barcelona. 

Jose Luis Morales scored after 79 minutes just the hosts' second shot on target. To make matters worse, Los Blancos also lost Eden Hazard, who limped off with an ankle injury in the 67th minute.

Los Blancos drew with Celta Vigo in their previous outing and are now two points behind Barcelona after they beat Eibar 5-0 earlier in the day. 

Levante were happy to sit back and hit the visitors on the counter, and Los Blancos struggled to break down the defensive block during the first half.

Karim Benzema side-footed a ball wide of goal after 11 minutes, and Casemiro headed the best chance of the half wide five minutes later. Goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez did not clear a corner well, but the Brazilian's aim was off.

Apart from those two chances, Levante didn't give away much. As The Spanish Football Podcast's Twitter account pointed out, that wasn't a surprise:

We've said it before but Paco López's Levante are, in a lot of ways, a really really good football team

— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) February 22, 2020

There were a few half-chances for Luka Modric and Isco, with the latter setting up the former on the edge of the box late in the half. His shot was fired straight at Fernandez, however.

Marcelo nearly picked out Benzema to close out the half, but the defence stood firm and didn't let him get his shot off.

At half-time, La Liga Lockdown noted the visitors had dominated possession:

It’s all tied here in the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia. Real Madrid dominating possession for the most part in the first half but Aitor Fernández continues to be a rock at the back for Levante ❌

Still 0-0 but can Levante hang on for another 45 minutes? #LLL
🧡🇪🇸⚽️ pic.twitter.com/lAXm0HftE4

— La Liga Lowdown 🧡🇪🇸⚽️ (@LaLigaLowdown) February 22, 2020

Levante started the second half well and created a good chance for Enis Bardhi, who curled a shot wide. Real soon got back on the front foot, however, and Eden Hazard could have opened the scoring but for Fernandez.

Thibaut Courtois made an excellent save to keep out a deflected effort from Jose Campana, before compatriot Hazard made his way off the pitch with a visible limp:

Hazard limps off the pitch after 67 minutes.

Real Madrid play Man City on Wednesday 🤕 pic.twitter.com/wIfQZyqj6z

— GOAL (@goal) February 22, 2020

Los Blancos had struggled to create much with their star forward on the pitch, and things didn't improve when he came off. 

They then fell behind when Morales chased what seemed a hopeless ball over the top before firing a first-time strike from a tight angle, catching Courtois out at his near post.

While it was a great strike, the stopper pulled his arms back because he appeared to think the ball was going over:

What on earth is Courtois doing?

— Dan Thomas (@DanThomasESPN) February 22, 2020

Real seemed shocked by the sudden turn of events and never threatened an equaliser. The best chance fell to Borja Mayoral, who nearly scored against his parent club before Raphael Varane made a crucial block. He was also involved in a late incident with Dani Carvajal over time-wasting.

Los Blancos' last chance came via Sergio Ramos, but he aimed his header straight at Fernandez.

                

What's Next?

Real host Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday before hosting Barcelona on March 1. Levante face Eibar in La Liga next Saturday.

Real Madrid have been dealt a blow ahead of the UEFA Champions League tie against Manchester City and upcoming Clasico against Barcelona, with Eden Hazard suffering yet another injury.

The forward had to come off against Levante after visibly limping for several minutes.

HLN's Kristof Terreur shared this image of the Belgian with an ice pack on his ankle:

The ice pack on the right ankle - the one that kept him out for almost 3 months. Zidane to confirm that Eden Hazard is a serious doubt for Man City on Wednesday and the Clasico next week? pic.twitter.com/XAXth0ta79

— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) February 22, 2020

Per AS, manager Zinedine Zidane briefly touched on the injury after the 1-0 loss, saying it "did not look good." He also noted he had an injury to the same ankle earlier this season.

The injury is another setback for Hazard following his big-money move from Premier League side Chelsea. He missed the opening weeks of the 2019-20 season after suffering a thigh injury in training.

Hazard had to wait to make his La Liga debut for his new club. His first appearance for Zinedine Zidane's side came against Levante on September 14 in a 3-2 win for Los Blancos.

The Belgium international scored his first goal for his new club in their 4-2 La Liga win over Granada in October but suffered another injury setback in December. Hazard was ruled out until 2020 after fracturing a bone in his ankle in Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League draw against Paris Saint-Germain.

The forward's injury problems means he has not yet had the impact expected at the Santiago Bernabeu when he signed from Chelsea in summer 2019 for a reported fee of £130 million.

Hazard left Stamford Bridge having established himself as one of the Premier League's top players, winning the title, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the UEFA Europa League twice with the Blues.

Real Madrid manager Zidane does not lack for options in attack when it comes to replacing Hazard in the starting XI for his side's forthcoming games.

Gareth Bale, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo are the most likely options to see more minutes, although Los Blancos also have Luka Jovic, Lucas Vazquez and James Rodriguez as options.

Los Blancos will face Manchester City on Wednesday before a date with Barcelona on Sunday, March 1.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has voiced his support for captain Sergio Ramos to sign a new contract at the club, as well as backing the defender to feature at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. 

Ramos has entered the final 18 months of his current deal—due to expire in June 2021—but it remains unclear as to whether the 33-year-old will pen new terms at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Zidane, 47, told reporters ahead of Saturday's league visit to Levante: "I always want to have Sergio with me. I see him very well."

But the extension may not be as straightforward. Sergio Santos Chozas of AS wrote on Thursday that the club are not keen to give Ramos the two-year extension he's said to be seeking, with talks between the two parties yet to get under way:

Sergio Ramos' contract extension with Real Madrid could be a bit of a struggle

📰 Today's front pagehttps://t.co/ZElow25iHX pic.twitter.com/rU9ix0BPxI

— AS USA (@English_AS) February 20, 2020

Ramos was 19 when he joined Real from Sevilla in 2005 for €27 million, which remains the highest fee paid for a Spanish teenager, per the Irish Times.

Agence France-Presse's Tom Allnutt provided further quotes from Zidane's press conference:

On Ramos never being benched: "He is our captain, our leader, our reference." But you were on the bench at RMadrid? "Yes, many times. Well, three or four."

— Tom Allnutt (@TomAllnutt_) February 21, 2020

Ramos has made 636 appearances for Los Blancos in all competitions, and he's missed just four games this season because of injury (two games) or suspension (also two).

Aside from his defensive prowess, Ramos has come to be regarded as one of the most reliable penalty-takers in Europe, most recently scoring from the spot in a 2-2 draw at home to Celta Vigo, via Premier Sports:

👉 Real Madrid drew 2⃣ - 2⃣ with Celta Vigo on Sunday to stay top of LaLiga

👏 Sergio Ramos put Los Blancos 2⃣ - 1⃣ up with his 91st Real Madrid goal

An absolutely ridiculous goal return for a defender 😳

We've seen that celebration before 👀 @usainbolt pic.twitter.com/DYRAtMVXWp

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) February 17, 2020

The veteran will be 35 by the time his current contract expires, however, and it's perhaps understandable  Real would be reluctant to award him a two-year extension so far in advance.

Zidane also supported Ramos in his quest to take part in the Olympics: "Of course he should go. If he wants to go, then I'll support him. It's always great to play for your country."

The 170-times capped international—a record for Spain's national team—could be named as one of his country's three permitted over-23 players to compete at the Olympics beginning in July.

Spanish football journalist Euan McTear previously questioned the possibility of playing a European Championships and an Olympic tournament in the same summer:

Ramos playing the Euros and Olympics next summer is definitely the solution this article is calling for. https://t.co/cPCb3N3iWH

— Euan McTear (@emctear) October 9, 2019

The men's football tournament in Tokyo isn't due to end until August 8. The fixture dates for the 2020-21 La Liga campaign won't be confirmed until this summer, although it's almost certain to delay Ramos' start to the season if Spain go far in the competition.

The current Spanish league campaign began on August 16, 2019, and it's normal for players to take a vacation after featuring in a summer contest like the Olympics.

Zidane is nonetheless keen for his star to fulfil his wishes should he hope to compete for a gold medal in Japan, and Spain Olympic coach Luis de la Fuente said in October he "would never say no" to Ramos, per AS.