Eden Hazard named in Roberto Martinez’s Belgium squad for matches against England, Iceland and Switzerland… despite Real Madrid star limping off against Inter Milan
- Captain Eden Hazard has been named in Roberto Martinez’s Belgium squad
- The Real Madrid winger was substituted in midweek after picking up a knock
- But the 29-year-old is said to be in contention for the Valencia clash on Sunday
- Belgium boss Roberto Martinez is happy with Hazard’s progress in recent weeks
Eden Hazard has been named in the Belgium squad for the forthcoming internationals despite limping off during Real Madrid‘s last game against Inter Milan on Tuesday.
The Madrid forward, who has found life tough since his big-money move from Chelsea in the summer of 2019, was withdrawn from the 3-2 win against Inter after 65 minutes.
However, the 29-year-old – who has only just returned to action following a calf injury – is likely to be fit for the Valencia clash on Sunday and thus has been called-up to Roberto Martinez’s squad for internationals against Switzerland, England and Iceland.
Eden Hazard has been called up to the Belgium squad for the next set of international games
Hazard clutches his left leg after picking up an injury for Real Madrid in midweek against Inter
As per a report in Spanish outlet Marca, Martinez was not concerned by Hazard’s form and fitness and in fact was pleased.
‘Eden has been very positive on his return, he has already played two games with Real Madrid and has had a very good feeling,’ he said.
‘We are looking forward to him continuing to progress and play minutes. We are looking forward to welcoming him.’
Hazard is the captain of the Belgium national team, after Vincent Kompany’s semi-retirement last year.
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said he was happy with Hazard’s progress in recent weeks
Hazard scored in the 4-1 win over Huesca last weekend, with Zinedine Zidane opting to start the winger for the crunch European clash in midweek.
The Belgian star was delighted as he recorded a short video message for his fans which was Tweeted by Madrid’s account after the match against Huesca.
‘Hi, guys! I’m just happy to be back on a pitch, (and) score a beautiful goal,’ the Belgium international said.
‘That’s for you. I hope to see you soon.’
Hazard opened the scoring against Huesca last weekend with a brilliant strike from distance
Hazard’s goal ended a wait of 392 days and was just his second for the club since joining from Chelsea, for an initial £88million in 2019.
Meanwhile, Martinez has also named Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois in his squad but Atletico Madrid’s Yannick Carrascoo misses out through injury.
Ranked as the world’s No 1 team, Belgium play a friendly against Switzerland before concluding their Nations League campaign against England and Iceland.
