Eden Hazard doubtful for Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Atalanta after muscle injury

$120 million Belgian star has leg muscle problem and will miss weeks of action

Real Madrid confirmed on Wednesday that Eden Hazard is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines after injuring a muscle in his left leg.

The Belgium international has been plagued by physical and fitness issues since his 2019 arrival at Santiago Bernabeu for $120 million and this latest blow makes him a doubt for the opening leg of the Spanish giants' UEFA Champions League clash with Atalanta BC later this month.

Hazard medical report.#RealMadrid

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 3, 2021

Hazard, 30, is expected to miss the best part of a month of action with a two week break considered his most favorable scenario which would only just enable him to be fit for the Italians towards the end of February.

"Following tests carried out today on our player, Eden Hazard, by Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the rectus femoris of his left leg," read Real's official statement. "His recovery will continue to be assessed."

54.3% - Real Madrid have won 54.3% of their games with Eden Hazard 🇧🇪 in all competitions (GP35 W19 D9 L7), compared to 63.6% without him since last season (GP44 W28 D8 L8). Injury. pic.twitter.com/qEz4yJPgfq

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 3, 2021

La Liga clashes with Huesca, Getafe, Valencia and Valladolid will not be as much of a worry for Zinedine Zidane's men as away games against Atalanta and Atletico Madrid but the bigger concern will be the frequency of Hazard's injuries since his arrival in Spain.

Ankle injuries hampered him early on and fitness concerns have been regular with a positive COVID-19 test and a thigh injury among his most recent absences.