Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has left Eden Hazard out of his squad to face Getafe in LaLiga on Thursday.
Reports in Spain claim Los Blancos are concerned with how rival teams are going in hard on the Belgian’s ankle and that might be the reason behind his absence against a notoriously physical Getafe side.
“I hope there is no intention to cause him harm,” Zidane said earlier on Wednesday. “Rivals plays strong, but in that respect we have to be calm.
“Eden has had difficulties because he was a long time away from the pitch and we have to go slowly with him. He will fine within a short time.”
Hazard, who underwent ankle surgery in late February after missing a large chunk of the season due to injury, looks set to be replaced by Vinicius Junior in attack and Zidane could opt to play Isco just behind the Brazilian and Karim Benzema.
Luka Modric is set to return after missing the 1-0 win at Espanyol with a ban and left-back Ferland Mendy could also be in the XI after suspension.
Meanwhile, Luka Jovic and Lucas Vazquez are both back from injury and the two forwards should start on the bench at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.
Real Madrid can go four points clear of Barcelona by beating Getafe, currently in sixth, on Thursday.
Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Mendy; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Isco; Benzema, Vinicius
Getafe predicted XI: Soria; Suarez, Etxeita, Dakonam, Olivera; Etebo, Maksimovic, Arambarri, Cucurella; Molina, Mata
