“I did not speak to him,” Zidane told a news conference ahead of Real’s first game in La Liga away to Real Sociedad on Sunday, where they will begin their title defence. But Zidane disagreed with the perception he forced Bale out. Hazard’s debut season at Real was marred by two ankle injuries and other fitness troubles. Zidane said he would not rush him back to action. “We have more time to prepare for the season and all he needs to do is ensure he gets to 100 or 120% fitness,” he said.

Source: Standard Digital September 19, 2020 12:56 UTC