Zidane has long been clear about his ideal attack: Asensio-Benzema-Hazard. The problem is that you have had little opportunity to align them together due to the constant physical problems of the Belgian and the long-term injury suffered by the Balearic.
However, his idea has not changed. Hazard has only started six games this season and in four of them (Inter, Huesca, Alavés and Osasuna) he was accompanied by Benzema and Asensio in attack.
In the remaining two (Inter in Milan and Villarreal) Zizou He introduced Lucas Vázquez instead of Asensio, because the youth squad has given an outstanding performance so far this season. But That is a difficult option this Thursday against Athletic, since Carvajal will be out and Lucas is the favorite of the French coach to replace him on the right side (He barely has Odriozola, who has only played one game).
To this must be added the loss of Rodrygo, who has frequently occupied the right wing. Therefore, Zidane's idea is to give Hazard minutes again to continue picking up pace after his last injury and, incidentally, align the offensive trident that he imagined as fundamental in his second stage as coach to make up for Cristiano's loss. Hazard's return coincides with Asensio's best form so far this season, aSomething that reinforces Zidane's bet.
Weather
In sports, Madrid trained for the second consecutive day in Malaga on Tuesday. Those of Zidane left the Spanish capital last Friday and have not yet returned home, something that has generated discomfort. Despite this, they have gotten something positive: they fled from the cold of Madrid.
At the time of training yesterday (11:00) in the capital temperatures were below zero, while the white squad enjoyed a pleasant sunny day (13ºC) in Malaga. A weather that allowed the session to develop without the problems that other teams are having in other areas of the country. As happened on Monday, the training was behind closed doors, but the fans were able to get closer to see it from outside the Ciudad de Málaga stadium.