Eden Hazard could miss start of season with broken ankle
Chelsea star's injury while on international duty could ruin his chances of a move to Real Madrid
Chelsea's star man Eden Hazard broke his ankle while training with Belgium - but there could be a silver lining for the Blues.
Hazard is expected to be out for two months and is a doubt for the start of next season. However, the injury could be a blessing in disguise as it came shortly after he revealed he would be "tempted" by a move to European champions Real Madrid.
He has been linked to the Spanish side in the past and Madrid were expected to renew their interest this summer. His injury may have them thinking twice.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"Hazard had been preparing to play in Monday's friendly with the Czech Republic at the National Football Centre in Tubize, south-west of Brussels when he was injured on Sunday afternoon and was immediately ruled out of Friday's World Cup qualifier against Estonia," reports the Daily Telegraph.
He is expected to be out for up to eight weeks and "will almost certainly" miss the start of next season, news that is likely to "end any chance of a summer move to Real Madrid", adds the paper.
Although the new Premier League season does not start for ten weeks, the campaign effectively begins three weeks earlier, says The Times.
Chelsea have pre-season games against Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in Singapore in late July and will play in the Community Shield against Arsenal on 6 August.
Hazard's injury, which was not thought to be serious at the time, could impact on his summer plans. The Belgian had said he was looking forward to a break from football after his international duties, but he "may have to undergo treatment before heading on his summer break", says the Daily Mail.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
UK gynaecological care crisis: why thousands of women are left in pain
The Explainer Waiting times have tripled over the past decade thanks to lack of prioritisation or funding for women's health
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'The Hum': the real-life noise behind The Listeners
In The Spotlight Can some of us also hear the disturbing sound that plagues characters in the hit TV show – and where is it coming from?
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The Week Unwrapped: Are we any closer to identifying UFOs?
Podcast Plus, will deals with Tunisia and Kurdistan help Labour? And what next for the Wagner Group?
By The Week Staff Published
-
Thomas Tuchel to become next England football manager
Speed Read 'Divisive' German coach hopes to lead the men's team to victory
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
The European Super League: a 90th-minute reprieve?
Why everyone's talking about A European court ruling has potentially breathed new life into the breakaway football league
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at players
feature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
By The Week Staff Published