Eden Hazard will make his first start for seven weeks in Belgium’s final Group B game against Finland on Monday night, fearing that he may never get over the ankle injury plaguing his career.
Hazard is understood to have considered a third ankle surgery in March, but opted to rest instead.
It meant the 30-year-old winger started just seven games for Real Madrid in La Liga this season, continuing a miserable spell since joining from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £130million.
Eden Hazard fears he may not be able to perform at his best again after his injury nightmare
Hazard’s last start came in the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea last month, and he faces Finland in St Petersburg on Monday night with Belgium’s place in the knockout phase already assured.