MADRID, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid look to continue their impressive run of form when they travel to Vitoria to face Alaves on Saturday without winger Eden Hazard.
The Belgian injured his right ankle during Tuesday's 2-2 draw at home to Paris Saint Germain and will be out of action for between 10 days to a fortnight. That is a lot less than originally feared as he had to be carried into the dressing rooms after receiving a heavy challenge on an ankle which has given him problems in the past.
Zinedine Zidane now has to decide who will replace the Belgian and Gareth Bale looks to be the obvious choice, especially as Vinicius Jr looks to have fallen down the pecking order at the club. Zidane could also bring Luka Modric back into the side and move Isco out to the left after his impressive display on Tuesday.
The coach is unlikely to make many other changes to his side with Fede Valverde helping to provide talent and kilometers in the middle of the park.
Alaves have been tough to beat in recent games and have lost just once in their Mendizorroza Stadium this campaign. Last weekend saw them produce another solid display to win 2-0 away to Eibar thanks to two goals from striker Joselu.
Both Joselu and his attack partner Lucas Perez have been in excellent form this season netting 13 of the 16 goals Alaves have scored between them, with Lucas scoring in seven consecutive games before last weekend.
Only Leo Messi and Luis Suarez (16) have netted more goals between them this season in Spain and it is clear the duo pose Alaves' main threat, although the side will also be boosted by the return of defender Victor Laguardia and midfielder Manu Garcia after suspension.
Real Madrid won 4-0 away to Eibar before the international break, making light work of a difficult away trip. If they can do something similar on Saturday, Zidane's men have a good chance of ending the weekend as league leaders.
