Real Madrid News
Benzema to undergo tests tomorrow to determine availability for Sevilla clash – report
Following a resounding 3-0 win over Elche in midweek, Real Madrid will be looking to continue their excellent run of form as they take on Sevilla on Saturday.
The Whites released the squad list set to take part in the game, one that includes Karim Benzema.
It was reported that the striker had picked up a minor injury earlier today in training and will not be fit enough to feature against Sevilla. But some reports claimed that he was fit enough, following which was included in the squad by Carlo Ancelotti.
However, journalist Jose Luis Sanchez has offered an update on Benzema’s condition, suggesting that the forward’s injury scare was no hoax, despite his inclusion in the squad. In fact, the player is set to undergo tests tomorrow to determine the extent of his knock.
The results of the tests will also decide whether or not the Frenchman can take part in the game against Sevilla.
Benzema’s potential absence against Los Nervionenses can serve as a major blow for Real Madrid, especially at a time when they desperately need a win in order to build some distance from second-placed Barcelona.
Despite securing a win in Clasico this past weekend, Real Madrid are leading their arch-rivals only by three points. Any mishap this weekend could see the Catalans once again breathing down their necks.
Real Madrid, though, performed well without Benzema earlier in the campaign. And with the likes of Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior performing at the top of their game, Los Blancos will be hopeful of their chances against Sevilla, even if the Ballon d’Or winner is unavailable.
Before he was hired by Bayern Munich as the direct replacement for Julian Nagelsmann, Thomas Tuchel was closely linked with a move to Real Madrid at the end of the season.
The German tactician had kept a close eye on the development at Santiago Bernabeu, especially with coach Carlo Ancelotti facing immense pressure following the club’s poor performances in domestic competitions.
A recent report from Jorge Picon has offered more details on the Tuchel saga, suggesting that the coach was even learning Spanish during his time at Ibiza, anticipating a potential move to Real Madrid at the end of the season.
There were even contacts made between Tuchel’s entourage and Real Madrid. Although the talks were positive, the two sides were not able to reach an agreement.
Real Madrid did not guarantee him the job. They had informed Tuchel that Ancelotti may continue at the Bernabeu in the event the club win the UEFA Champions League this season.
This bit of uncertainty played a critical role in convincing Tuchel to join Bayern Munich instead. The former Chelsea boss was hired as a direct replacement for Nagelsmann, who was sacked after a poor season in the Bundesliga by the club’s high standards.
However, Tuchel’s move to Bayern appears to be a missed opportunity on the German’s part, as Real Madrid have recently intensified their search for a new manager.
It is clear that the club’s hierarchy is yet to reach a consensus over the future of Ancelotti, with some believing that a change is necessary come the end of the season. In fact, the club’s president Florentino Perez has been an admirer of Tuchel’s compatriot Nagelsmann.
The coaching prodigy is one of the candidates to replace Ancelotti in the summer, though it is Mauricio Pochettion who is reportedly leading the race so far.
