Eden Hazard is set for talks with Belgium manager Roberto Martinez after footage emerged of the Real Madrid winger attending a nightclub just days before a recent international match. The 31-year-old, who has struggled for form and fitness at club level, was seen partying with friends two days before Belgium's Nations League defeat to the Netherlands, in which he captained the side.
Martinez has confirmed the incident will be discussed internally, stating that while he trusts his players and allowed Hazard time with family or friends, he would not want a repeat. “There is a very clear story behind this, but I am not going to talk about it in public, it will be handled internally,” Martinez told RTBF.
Hazard has played only 158 minutes for Real Madrid this season, having fallen out of favour at the Bernabeu. Despite this, Martinez insists he remains a key player for Belgium ahead of the World Cup, which kicks off on 23 November against Canada. However, the manager has questioned whether Hazard can sustain fitness for a deep tournament run.
“Eden Hazard is still a very important player for the national team, that's 100% sure,” Martinez said. “But now we have to wonder if he can still play 90 minutes, or seven matches in a very short period of time. His situation can change enormously over the next five weeks.”
Hazard himself admitted his lack of game time at Real Madrid has created a “delicate situation” ahead of what could be his final World Cup. “There have been difficult times because I want to play and I don't play,” he said. “I want to play the maximum number of minutes and get to the World Cup in shape.”
