Real Madrid News
Deschamps ordered the departure of Karim Benzema from Qatar through team doctor
Karim Benzema has been one of the world’s most prolific strikers in recent times. Ever since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, the veteran forward has stepped up his game and has become the leader of the Real Madrid frontline.
The striker was even rewarded for his contributions at Real Madrid with a Ballon d’Or title earlier this year. However, even though Benzema has been wildly successful during his time at Real Madrid, he has been never been able to express himself in the French national team.
Several reports within French media have suggested that Benzema never trains to full capacity when he is training with the French national team, which leaves coach Didier Deschamps somewhat betrayed.
In a recent report, Diario AS (h/t Los Blancos Live) has relayed the words of the French team doctor, who has revealed that it was indeed Deschamps who had ordered the attacker to return to Madrid after he picked up a tragic injury just before the start of the World Cup.
“I’m sorry, Karim, you have to leave,” the doctor had told Benzema. He later revealed that his ‘cold’ words to Benzema were based on the orders of Deschamps, who was present but opted to remain silent.
This comes in the midst of reports that suggest that the report Real Madrid received for Benzema was not serious enough for the player to be sent back home.
Several reports also claim that the French team was happier without the Real Madrid frontman and even though there was a scope for the forward to return during the knockout stages, the French team, led by Deschamps, continued to operate without the veteran.
In what could be a real deal breaker for Real Madrid ahead of their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg clash against Barcelona, it has been revealed that as many as three Barça will be absent from the game while another key player remains a major doubt.
The list includes the likes of Pedri, Ousmane Dembele and Andreas Christensen. The trio is certain to miss the game through respective injuries while a certain Frenkie de Jong is more or less ruled out, as per Javi Miguel.
It must be remembered that Barcelona are heading into the second leg with a 1-0 advantage. But the absence of the aforementioned players means Madrid can work on exploiting the frailties.
Despite the absence of such big names, Barcelona did pretty well against Elche in their previous outing, coming out 4-0 victorious, with the goals coming from Robert Lewandowski, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres.
With options lacking in midfield, Xavi decided to use the likes of Sergi Roberto and Eric Garcia along with Gavi in the heart of the lineup. In any way, they do have Sergio Busquets and Franck Kessie as backups if needed.
The defence, on the other hand, was perfectly guarded by Jordi Alba, Marcos Alonso, Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde.
One can expect Xavi to once again interchange Araujo with Kounde on the right since the Uruguayan has been rather successful in minimizing the threat of Vinicius Jr.
As far as Madrid are concerned, they are sweating over the fitness of three key defenders, namely, Antonio Rudiger, Nacho, and Ferland Mendy. Between these three, the Frenchman is out for about a month while Rudiger and Nacho are expected to be back before the Clasico.
If there are no casualties against Real Valladolid, Madrid will have a perfect midfield and attack, with only Mariano Diaz missing.
