Real Madrid News
Injury update: Karim Benzema misses training ahead of Barcelona clash
After picking up an injury vs RCD Mallorca, Karim Benzema’s involvement in the El Clasico on the weekend was put into question. Ferland Mendy, too, has been ruled out, owing to injury.
It was reported yesterday that Benzema could still make it back in time for the game, but according to Sergio Quirante, the Frenchman missed training today. He did not train alone, either, which makes his participation a doubt till the last moment.
The striker is among the best players this season, with 33 goal involvements across the league, and an additional 12 across the Copa del Rey, Supercup Espana, and the Champions League.
Real Madrid would be in two minds about risking Benzema at this point of the season because the risk of aggravating his injury could put him in doubt for the Champions League quarter-final clash vs Chelsea two weeks later.
On the other hand, if they lost the El Clasico, it could put them within seven points of Sevilla with just nine games left in the league season.
That said, it is probably too early to make a call about his participation. The test results are still positive, but missing training is definitely not a good sign.
Real Madrid News
U-turn? Benzema hints at Real Madrid stay during ceremony: “Reality is not the internet”
There has been a lot of talk around Karim Benzema’s situation over the course of the last week or so, with reports claiming that the Frenchman was on his way out of the Santiago Bernabeu.
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, it was reported that Benzema was joining Al Ittihad as part of an incredible deal worth nearly €200 million. The striker was also offered 100% of his image rights and advertising deals by the Saudi government.
Over the last day or so, it has been reported that the move is all but official at the moment, as Benzema has accepted the offer, and will soon inform Real Madrid about it.
Benzema was awarded the MARCA Leyenda awards for contribution to sports today, and speaking during it, he dropped a rather cryptic message about his future – one that says quite the opposite to what has been in the news recently.
“Speak to the fans? Speak about what? Why should I speak of the future if I’m in Madrid?”, Benzema said.
“It’s the internet speaking, and reality is not the internet,” he added.
This certainly falls away from the departure line for Benzema, who was reportedly already contemplating his life away from Madrid.
At first, though, he was hesitant about speaking about his future, saying, “Staying or leaving Real Madrid? At the moment, I’m here…we have a game on Saturday.”
He repeatedly talked about the fans, calling them the best in world football. He also said, “I know how much Real Madrid fans love me. I feel that when I’m on the pitch, I give my best for them, always.”
“I always say that we play with 11 on the pitch but also with a crucial factor, Real Madrid fans,” Benzema concluded.
