Antonio Rudiger wants Real Madrid’d Eden Hazard to be fit enough to face Chelsea in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League semi final first leg.
The tie will be staged at Estadio Alfredo di Stefano on Tuesday night andHazard is in line to face the Blues for the first time since leaving Stamford Bridge in 2019.
Rudiger who forged an excellent relationship with Hazard is looking forward to testing himself against his former team-mate.
“I had a good relationship with him here at Chelsea,” the centre-half told the pre-match press conference on Monday. “I hope he can play, honestly. If you want to win, you have to play against the best and Hazard is one of the best. For me one of the top players in the world.”
Hazard’s 2020-21 campaign has been significantly disrupted by injuries, with the Belgian having been forced to sit out 31 games across all competitions to date.
Zinedine Zidane drafted him back for Madrid’s 0-0 draw with Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday, and the Frenchman says he will be ready to feature against Chelsea.
The Blancos boss stopped short of confirming whether Hazard will start, but has told reporters that the 30-year-old is in top condition.
“I don’t see Eden having any doubts,” said Zidane. “He looked very good on the field the other day. That was the most important, not feeling anything from his old problems.”
Hazard has failed to live up to his €100 million (£87m/$121m) price tag since arriving at Madrid from Chelsea, with his commitment also being called into question amid his struggles with injury.
The Belgium international has only contributed four goals and seven assists in 37 appearances, and has yet to establish himself as a regular in Zidane’s line up.
