(Football news) Real Madrid are arguably the most in form side in the world right now. They have won 12 and drawn 1 of their last 13 games in all competitions. With only 2 games left before the Christmas break the Los Blancos camp has been hit with a Covid outbreak. Six Real Madrid players along with assistant manager Davide Ancelotti have been tested positive for COVID-19.
Two of the affected are Andriy Lunin and Marcelo who are clearly 2nd choice and shouldn't affect Ancelotti's plans. Luka Modric is one of the first names on the team sheet and his absence will definitely be felt. Fede Valverde and/or Eduardo Camavinga have a good chance to get some first team action. The big area of concern is right wing as all 3 right wingers Marco Asensio, Rodrygo and Gareth Bale are out with Covid.
Also read: Atleti travel to Sevilla; Barcelona and Covid-plaugued Madrid play home fixtures
Ancelotti has the option of playing Fede Valverde on that side but he would fit better in Modric's role. It gives Eden Hazard a golden opportunity to play the remaining two games and try and break into the side. The Belgian has played only 61 minutes since the start of October. The rise and consistency of Vinicius Jr. has kept the former Chelsea man out of the side. Injuries have also played it's part but when fit Hazard hasn't been able to create much impact.
Hazard started the season as first choice as he started the first two games. Vinicius then took over and Hazard would either be on the bench or on the right wing. Now if Hazard is going to play, he will be on the right side as Vinicius is expected to be on the left. This might be Hazard's last chance to try and convince Ancelotti as two bad or even mediocre games would mean that Hazard will not play unless it's in the Copa del Rey or if Vinicius gets injured.
Hazard has been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu but reports suggest that the winger is not even considering leaving Madrid and is determined to prove his worth. One thing is certain that he won't get many chances to do so. Real Madrid play Cadiz on 20th and Athletic Club on 23rd which could determine Hazard's future.
