Real Madrid News
Benzema’s recovery progressing well, but return for the derby highly unlikely
Karim Benzema’s injury against Celtic in Glasgow last week came as a major blow for Real Madrid. The 34-year-old is one of the most pivotal cogs in Carlo Ancelotti’s side with no cover and backup for his position in the squad.
So, his getting injured was always going to sting the Merengues. However, it would be safe to say that they have, at least so far, have navigated the period without their ace goalscorer fairly successfully.
Los Blancos beat Celtic 3-0, with all goals coming after Benzema’s substitution. They also triumphed over RCD Mallorca this past weekend, banging in four goals in the La Liga clash.
While signs on the pitch are positive, it seems like they have plenty of reasons for optimism with Benzema’s recovery from his injury as well. Indeed, as reported by MARCA, the French international’s rehabilitation is progressing very well so far.
The Frenchman underwent his training indoors on Tuesday while the rest of the group toughed it out on the pitch ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash against RB Leipzig later tonight, which he will miss.
Benzema did step out for a bit but quickly returned inside, although there is a chance that he might train on the grass today. Despite the progress shown, though, the striker’s involvement in the derby against Atletico Madrid at the weekend seems highly unlikely.
The Real Madrid superstar has previously played with an injury in important games as he did against PSG last season. However, he and the team are reluctant to take any risk with his recovery this time out.
So, Benzema will only be considered for selection against Atletico only if he is 100% fit. The international break coming up will afford him an extended two-week break to recuperate, provided he does not opt to join the France squad for their UEFA Nations league encounters.
For now, though, the 34-year-old hitman is recovering quickly and it bodes well for Real Madrid.
The current edition of the Real Madrid squad is full of young talents, who have shown remarkable potential in recent years.
Arda Guler is among the young players looking to make a mark in European football in the years to come.
The young Turk joined Real Madrid earlier this summer, rejecting many other European giants in the process.
Toni Kroos mentoring Guler at Real Madrid
Guler has not enjoyed the best of starts to his life at Santiago Bernabeu, as he is spending a brief time on the sidelines due to an injury.
However, Guler has not stopped working on his characteristics, as he looks to kickstart his Real Madrid career on a positive note.
To that end, the former Fenerbahce starlet is receiving some key support from one of Real Madrid’s midfield pillars in the form of Toni Kroos.
This is according to MARCA, which suggests that the German international is mentoring Guler in his early days at Santiago Bernabeu.
Kroos: huge ‘sponsor’ of Guler
The report highlights how Toni Kroos is a huge admirer of Arda Guler. The German had even heaped praise on the youngster from Turkey when he joined the club earlier in the summer.
Guler, therefore, is closely training with Kroos, whose years of experience, composure, and knowledge of football, could help the youngster grow at Santiago Bernabeu.
This fits in well with Carlo Ancelotti’s vision at Real Madrid, as the Italian boss wants youngsters to have room to grow, especially with guidance from some of the older guards in the team.
It is one of the key reasons Real Madrid wanted to stick to Kroos and Luka Modric, despite bringing in Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham in the summer.
Guler, therefore, has the stage set for him to start his Real Madrid career on a strong note. After impressing in training, the next step for the youngster is to make a promising debut, which is just around the corner.
