Waiting For The Return Of Hazard And Bale During The Madrid Derby

Gareth Bale (Twitter @realmadrid)

JAKARTA - Eden Hazard and Gareth Bale are preparing to return to the Real Madrid squad. They are projected to sit on the bench for the derby against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Belgian forward Hazard began to show signs of his best form following his move from Chelsea. However, an ankle injury in November cost him the opportunity to continue his craft.

Hazard returned to training last week and head coach Zinedine Zidane said he could be involved in El Derbi. Although it does not guarantee that it will be played.

When asked about his availability, Zidane replied: "Hazard has been training with us all week. He could be included but we will never take any chances."

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Meanwhile, Bale sprained his ankle when Los Blancos beat Unionistas de Salamanca 3-1 in the Copa del Rey last week and missed the games against Real Valladolid and Real Zaragoza.

"It's the same question, I'm not going to say who will play because it's something personal," added Zidane, responding to Bale's possible play.

"All the players are ready and then we'll see what happens.

"We have 25 players and the good thing is they are all involved. So I have to choose because I am the coach. Because we have 25 players, what is complicated is the conditions for choosing 18. What I want is for the players to be focused and ready."

Bale's future at the Santiago Bernabeu has been a topic of discussion with the possibility of him returning to Tottenham on loan. However, Zidane did not expect such a scenario on the closing day of the January transfer window.

"Gareth is here with us and I'm counting on him. I'm not contemplating this possibility," said Zidane.