The winger is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines after hobbling off the pitch during a Liga clash against Levante.
Real Madrid celebrity Eden Hazard will not be prepared to return to the pitch for”at least three months” while he recovers from a different ankle injury, according to Roberto Martinez.
Zinedine Zidane welcomed Hazard back to his beginning line-up for Madrid’s 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo in Santiago Bernabeu on February 16.
The Belgian had not played since November because of an ankle issue but made a lively screen against Celta, winning a second-half punishment which enabled Sergio Ramos to step up and score his fifth goal of the season.
Hazard kept his place for a visit to Levante on Saturday, but he had been forced off the pitch after breaking his arm during the second half of Madrid’s surprise 1-0 defeat.
Madrid later confirmed in an official announcement the 29-year-old sustained a”fracture to his right distal fibula”, with Zidane admitting that the harm”looked bad” in his post-match interview.
It hasn’t yet been confirmed just how long Hazard will be out for, but he will definitely miss Madrid’s Champions League last-16 meeting with Manchester City and a Clasico showdown against Barcelona during the next seven days.
Belgium boss Martinez has been connected with Madrid concerning the winger’s fitness center, and does not expect him to be available again until May at the earliest, which makes him a doubt for this summer’s European Championship.
“We are extremely sad, since this injury will leave him out of action for at least three months,” Martinez told reporters.
“A footballer like Eden should always be on the pitch. We’ve got exceptional communication with Real Madrid’s medical staff and we’re anxious about Eden.
“It is a shame because it’s also occurred before an important match like that of Manchester City.”
Hazard has suffered a hugely difficult first nine months in the Bernabeu since joining the club from Chelsea for #89 million ($115m) last summer.
Fitness problems have played a massive part in the Belgium global’s struggles, but he has also failed to replicate the same level of performances he produced on a regular basis during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Hazard has only scored once in 15 appearances across all contests for Madrid, who slipped behind Barcelona from the Liga standings once more after losing their first game since October at the weekend.
