Hazard's first test, the 'Clasico'

Carlo Ancelotti made Madrid's plan for this season clear. "There will be no more signings. I could try Hazard in Benzema's place," he said at the press conference ahead of the Soccer Champions Tour.

And his words could come true against FC Barcelona, in the 'Clasico' in Las Vegas. Circumstances would practically force him to do so.

Karim Benzema will join the 'Merengues' pre-season training camp. The match is this Sunday, so he will have just a few days to prepare, very little time for a player who has not competed for some time.

'Mundo Deportivo' points to the possibility of Hazard playing as a false '9' against the 'Cules'. Borja Mayoral will also be unavailable to Ancelotti due to a problem with his COVID passport, another option less available to the Italian that places the Belgian as a more than likely alternative.