Hazard RULED OUT of crunch Champions League fixture against Shakhtar but Benzema returns

LaLiga champions Real Madrid suffered a major setback in ir title defence following a defeat against Alaves at Alfredo di Stefa. defeat has sparked questions on team's consistency in campaign, having defeated Inter Milan just previous matchday in Champions League. Zinedine Zidane might be forced to ponder upon his tactics and gameplan when his side take on Shakhtar Donetsk in Champions League with superstar Eden Hazard ruled out of crunch fixture.

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Hazard injury forces him out of Real Madrid vs Shakhtar clash 

Real Madrid have ruled out Hazard for Champions League fixture this week. Belgium international was seen limping off in game against Alaves in 28th minute and was replaced by Brazilian prodigy Rodrygo. Although extent of his injury is yet to be ascertained, he has t been included in Champions League squad to play Shakhtar. 

This is far from first time former Chelsea superstar has struggled with injuries since joining Real Madrid in 2019. Despite t completing two seasons with Los Blancos, Hazard has missed out on 36 games, while he had missed just 20 games with Blues in his seven seasons at Stamford Bridge. 

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time scale for Hazard return; Benzema available for Real Madrid vs Shakhtar 

re are currently updates on a stipulated Hazard return. However, Zidane can brea easy with striker Karim Benzema returning to squad. Frenchman last played for Real Madrid on vember 8 when he scored against Valencia, following which he sustained an injury that saw him miss some key fixtures including Champions League clash against Inter Milan. 

injury crisis at Real Madrid could be comprehended from fact that Luka Jovic, backup striker to Benzema contracted coronavirus while with Serbian national team. Hazard had recovered from coronavirus just a few days ago. Benzema's importance in this side cant be brushed aside, considering fact that he currently leads goalscoring charts for Zidane's side with six goals and three assists this season. 

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Real Madrid will seal a spot in Round of 16 with a win against Shakhtar

Real Madrid sit second in group B of Champions League standings with seven points. A victory against Shakhtar will see Los Blancos seal a spot in Round of 16 of competition. tably, Real Madrid were defeated by Ukrainian side in first game of Champions League this season. 

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Im courtesy: Karim Benzema, Eden Hazard Instagram