'He lowered his head': Courtois explains why Hazard lost his confidence at Real Madrid

"When Hazard returned from the World Cup, he trained very well and was waiting for an opportunity because the Brazilians were not there," Thibaut Courtois was quoted by Marca.

"The opportunity did not come and he lowered his head a bit. He has never disrespected anyone," the goalie added.

Hazard has not played for Real Madrid in La Liga since September 11 last year. The last time he played in white was on January 3 in a Copa Del Rey match against Cacereno.

The Belgian forward has scored one goal in his seven matches for Madrid this season. Still, he insists on staying and running down his contract.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti claims he barely talks to Hazard and attributed his lack of minutes to the form of Vinicius Jr.

"We don't talk much and it's the truth," Ancelotti said of Hazard. "Many times it's a matter of character, you feel better talking to one person than to another.

"This is not the most important thing, for me it's that "Even though we don't talk much and he doesn't play, he respects me. I value this a lot and I respect him in the same way.

"If he doesn't play a lot, it's because there's a lot of competition. There's a player in his position who is contributing a lot and it's Vinicius."