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SOCCER

Fresh injury concerns for Eden Hazard

The forward was unable to complete Belgium's Nations League semi-final against France, which is a concern for Real Madrid. He will under tests.

Update:
Fresh injury concerns for Eden Hazard
FRANCK FIFEAFP

At the end of the first half of Thursday's Nations League semi-final between Belgium and France, Eden Hazard was seen clutching his thigh as though he'd just felt a sharp twinge. He was able to continue playing up until halfway through the second half when he pulled up after a sprint then looked over to the bench to signal that he couldn't continue. Hazard's ongoing injury problems seem to have no end and he now could face a new setback, the latest in a long line of them which have blighted his two seasons at Real Madrid.

Hazard to undergo tests in Turin

"I don't know the full extent of it, the medical staff will need to take a look at it, maybe it's just a knock, we'll see in the next 24 hours," Belgium coach Roberto Martínez told reporters at the end of the game. Hazard will undergo tests in Turin, where Belgium are based until after Sunday's game at Juventus Stadium to determine third and fourth place. Depending on the outcome of those tests, it will be decided what |to do next with the madridista - whether he will remain with the Belgium squad in case he is able to play in the game against Italy, or allow him to leave and begin his recovery process with his club.

Real Madrid doctors being updated

Initial examinations suggest that he has a problem affecting his right hamstring. But the player will undergo a thorough examination later today and again in the next day or so to find out exactly what the problem is. Real Madrid's head of medical services is in constant contact with the Belgian Federation and being updated on Hazard's condition.

But it's clear that this is yet another episode in Hazard's recent medical history. During his time in Madrid, he has been in and out of the casualty room, and that has stopped him from demonstrating his level out on the pitch. In spite of his fitness woes, he has been regularly called up by Roberto Martínez for international duty with Belgium with whom he is a first choice starter. The disappointment of losing to France and the possibility that Hazard could face more time on the sidelines is a worry for Madrid and will reopen the debate about his .