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.