Pep Guardiola has taken aim at Real Madrid for Eden Hazard's difficult start in Spain this season, rather than the player himself.

Hazard moved to the 13-time European champions from Chelsea in the summer for £130million, but has not hit the ground running as expected.

The Belgian, who has been out injured since late November but is expected to return for Thursday's Copa del Rey quarter-final clash with Real Sociedad, has scored just once but Manchester City manager Guardiola insists he is a 'world-class' player.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola rates Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard highly

The Belgian has been out injured since November but could return to action on Thursday

'If he's not playing well, something's going on at Madrid because he is really good,' Guardiola told Spainish YouTuber DjMaRiiO.

'Not a top player, another level above. What we saw in England... he is world class.

'But the whole world knows that you need a period of adaptation.'

Hazard has been out since the end of November with an ankle injury sustained in the Champions League against PSG.

Despite his two-month absence, the 29-year-old was already struggling to make an impact at the Bernabeu.

Hazard grimaces in pain after picking up an injury against PSG in the Champions League

He missed the first three La Liga games of the season with a hamstring injury, and only scored his first goal against Granada in early October.

His solo strike, alongside four assists, is in stark contrast to his stellar form for Chelsea last season, where he scored 21 goals in all competitions.

Man City boss Guardiola is set to come up against Hazard and Real Madrid in the Champions League last-16, with the first-leg taking place at the Bernabeu on February 26.