Real Madrid News
Injury update: Real Madrid set to receive massive boost ahead of Cadiz clash
Karim Benzema had the season of his life last campaign, winning the Champions League and La Liga, while scoring 42 goals and giving 14 assists across the two competitions. He was awarded the European Player of the Year award along with the Ballon d’Or for his exploits.
However, all those achievements came with a tax, as the Frenchman had to play around 50 games across all competitions. Unsurprisingly, after a season as tedious as that, Benzema has faced several injury issues during 2022/23.
He has already missed eight games due to injury, and is not in the squad for the clash against Rayo Vallecano today. However, according to DAZN, the Madrid captain is set to make a return against Cadiz.
It is important to note that the Cadiz clash is the last in the calendar for Madrid before the World Cup commences, and any injury to Benzema during that game could put his contention under serious threat.
There have been reports stating that several players – Benzema included -, are trying to avoid playing any more club games to stay fit for the WC. However, Carlo Ancelotti gave a definitive response against this in his pre-game press conference, saying:
“Are we not risking Benzema because of the World Cup? No, no. We look at the facts and the facts say Benzema cannot play.”
Los Blancos are in desperate need of a win today as Barcelona have overtaken them in La Liga standings following their 2-0 win against Almeria at the Camp Nou. Any slip-up here could be detrimental to the title race.
As Real Madrid look to restart the campaign following the end of the international break, all focus will be on the upcoming El Clasico in Copa del Rey on April 5.
However, before they take on their arch-rivals for a fourth time this year, Real Madrid must see off the challenge from Real Valladolid in La Liga on Sunday.
Given Barcelona’s 12-point advantage at the top of the table, La Liga appears to be a lost cause for Real Madrid right now. But that is no excuse for Carlo Ancelotti’s men to appear complacent, as they look to push for a late title charge.
However, heading into this contest, three Real Madrid players proceed with caution as they are running the risk of missing out on the next league game against Villarreal due to yellow cards.
The three players in question are Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Carvajal, and Dani Ceballos. All three of these players have picked up four yellow cards in La Liga this term. Therefore, picking up another booking against Valladolid will rule them out in the next game.
Camavinga, in particular, has been a vital part of the Real Madrid squad since the turn of the year, impressing onlookers with his performances and versatility.
Carvajal, too, is a critical option at right-back and his experience could go a long way in helping Real Madrid end the league campaign on a positive note. Not to mention, the club lack the services of a reliable alternative, which has led to links with Reece James this coming summer.
Ceballos, on the other hand, has been one of the emerging stars this year. The midfielder’s performances have been excellent lately, and he would not want to lose any momentum by picking up a suspension ahead of the important Villarreal game next week.
