Zidane's perfect plan for Hazard: No rush and to come back stronger Real Madrid Frenchman doesn't want to take risks

With Eden Hazard having returned to action after a long injury layoff, Zinedine Zidane is keen to not rush his star forward so that the Belgian can have an explosive end to the season.

Having spent so long on the sidelines, it was a surprise to see Hazard start for Real Madrid against Celta Vigo last weekend, yet the coach and the player were clear about this plan for some time to head straight back into the team rather than from the bench.

To the press, Zidane had always brushed off claims of a quick comeback, and the Belgian kept missing out on earmarked return dates, from Sevilla on January 18, to the Madrid derby on February 1, followed by the Copa del Rey exit to Real Sociedad and the league win over Osasuna.

Zidane wanted to bring Hazard back only when he was 100 percent ready to start, and he managed to last until the 74th minute against Celta, in which time he earned a penalty for his side that was converted by Sergio Ramos.

The plan worked perfectly, yet is not over. Zidane wants Hazard in tip-top shape for the two biggest games of the season which lie ahead: first, Manchester City's visit to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on 26 February, followed by El Clasico just four days later, also in the Spanish capital.

Madrid face Levante before those duels and, although nothing can be ruled out, Zidane will likely leave Hazard out of the side with bigger commitments coming up.

Regardless of his availability in the coming weeks, Real Madrid seemed to have managed just fine even without their star summer signing.

Los Blancos have managed to maintain their lead atop LaLiga Santander, and won the first title of the season in the Supercopa de Espana in January.

The major challenge for Hazard and the coaching staff is to get the former Chelsea man back into top gear after missing 16 games, which is no easy task, but could prove pivotal in the major battles that lie ahead.