Zinedine Zidane Admits Summer Signing Could Miss the Rest of the Season

Zinedine Zidane, Manager of Real Madrid
Zinedine Zidane | Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has confirmed that both Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio are fully fit and available for selection for his side’s clash with Eibar – but forward Luka Jovic could miss the rest of the season.

Los Blancos found themselves sat in second place in La Liga prior to the suspension of play in March, two points behind leaders Barcelona. However, with the season now set to get back underway, Zidane has provided an update on his squad’s preparations ahead of their clash with Eibar on Sunday.

Eden HazardEden Hazard
Eden Hazard could start against Eibar | Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

When questioned on whether Hazard and/or Asensio, both of whom have recently overcome serious injuries, are in contention to start against Eibar, Zidane explained that both are available. Speaking in a press conference posted on Real Madrid’s official Twitter account, Zidane said: “The good news is that they have had time to prepare like the others.

“Asensio is training normally and Eden is also. They will be available and it is good news.”

However, one player who will not be featuring once play gets back underway is Jovic, who suffered a fractured foot at the start of May. Zidane has now revealed that it still remains unclear when he could be back playing again – making him a doubt for the rest of the campaign.

Luka JovicLuka Jovic
Luka Jovic is out through injury | DeFodi Images/Getty Images

“Well, the bad news is Luka Jovic’s injury. He picked up an injury at home, it was very unfortunate obviously, because now it will keep him away from the pitch. We don’t know for how long he won’t be available, but we’ll see. It’s bad news for us, of course, but we hope he can be back with us as soon as possible and before the season is over,” Zidane continued.

Los Blancos will be playing their remaining home games at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium as the club look to step up their rebuild of the Santiago Bernabeu. Zidane has discussed whether this will have any kind of impact on his side, explaining that his team have trained there and, as a result, they are ready.

“We know that we have had difficult moments and many worse people. We are lucky to be able to play again and we are happy. The players are happy and grateful to return to work. We have worked very well physically, I have no doubts and we are ready to start the competition again.

“Di Stefano is our stadium at the end. We are used to playing at the Bernabeu but we adapt to what we have. We are delighted to play at Di Stefano. The distances are the same, we have trained there and we are ready to play at Di Stefano. I don’t like to play without an audience.”

The Frenchman has also insisted that each league game must be treated as a final, with the first one beginning on Sunday. Zidane added: “It is our turn. We are going to finish the league, there is almost a month and a half of competition, 11 games, 11 finals, and then the Champions League will return. Nothing will change or harm us.”

“I like the comparison [of treating each match like a World Cup game], I buy it. Correct. My players know what it is to play the final stages. The important thing is the preparation and I think we have prepared very, very well. We are ready and tomorrow It is our first game. What we want to do is give everything on the field.”

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