There is a theory being whispered around Real Madrid's vast Valdebebas training complex that Eden Hazard has been fit for a while now and has been held back for the two games that could completely change his career in the Spanish capital.
It's true the 30-year-old Belgian international has been training with team-mates for the last two weeks.
It might be a stretch to say they could have played him against Liverpool but were saving him for his former club, but there does seem to be a sense that his return to fitness this time has been precision timed - no risk taken, and always with the carrot of facing Chelsea giving him an extra mental push.