Real Madrid News
Injury update: Karim Benzema ruled out of Barcelona clash this weekend
In a shocking revelation for Real Madrid fans, Karim Benzema has been ruled out of the El Clasico on the weekend due to injury, reports Sergio Quirante. The Frenchman did not train with the group today, and therefore his presence on Sunday night is too risky to pull off.
After picking up an injury vs Mallorca, there have been several updates on his situation, with reports stating that he could be fit in time for the game. However, after missing training completely yesterday, and only training alone today, he will have to watch the game from the stands.
Benzema has been head and shoulders above most players this season, scoring 22 goals and assisting 11 in the league. His 45 goal contributions across the season are only matched by Robert Lewandowski this season, while Mohamed Salah comes close with 41, while Kylian Mbappe has 40.
Without him, it is likely that Carlo Ancelotti starts with one of Luka Jovic or Gareth Bale as the striker. Marco Asensio has been used there in the past, and could be deployed again with Rodrygo on the right-wing.
Ferland Mendy has been ruled out of the game as well, which puts a host of trouble on Ancelotti’s shoulders, especially during such a crucial part of the season. A stumble here could cost them dearly.
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.
