Eden Hazard frustrated by lack of game time at Real Madrid

Eden Hazard has admitted that he is not totally happy with his game time at Real Madrid.

Since his big-money transfer from Chelsea to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2019, Hazard has rarely put together a run of consistent performances, not helped by a succession of injuries.

In total, the Belgium international has made just 29 starts and 22 substitute appearances in La Liga, a further 12 starts and seven outings as a replacement coming in other competitions.

The 31-year-old has again found himself in and out of Carlo Ancelotti's side during the current campaign, being restricted to two starts and two games as a substitute.

A total of 159 minutes have been accumulated, Hazard's solitary goal coming in the 3-0 victory at Celtic in the Champions League.

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On Thursday night, however, Hazard came through 65 minutes for his national team as Belgium posted a 2-1 triumph over Wales in the UEFA Nations League.

That represented the longest that the playmaker had spent on the pitch during one fixture since June, and Hazard admits that he is frustrated with his current game time.

Speaking to reporters, as quoted by Marca, Hazard said: "There have been difficult times because I want to play and I don't play.

"I feel good at Real Madrid, I just play less. And when I play, I play well. It's a delicate situation because I want to play more."

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Hazard was later quizzed on his performance for Belgium, who required a win in order to retain hope of progressing to the competition Finals next year.

He added: "I know what I can do when I play. I want to scratch the maximum number of minutes and get to the World Cup in shape."

Los Blancos are due to play 11 matches in La Liga and the Champions League before Spanish football breaks up for the World Cup on November 8.

Hazard's contract at the Bernabeu is due to expire at the end of 2023-24.