Real Madrid News
Just in: Benzema could be out of Sevilla clash after picking up fresh injury
Just as Karim Benzema was looking like he had regained his rhythm after an injury layoff, it seems like the 34-year-old is set for another stint on the sidelines.
As reported by Jorge C Picon, the Ballon d’Or winner walked out of Real Madrid’s training session with an injury earlier today and is set to miss the clash against Sevilla on Saturday.
While the injury is not expected to be a serious one, it is set to keep the French international out of action when Jorge Sampaoli’s side visit the Santiago Bernabeu tomorrow.
Benzema had been struggling with an injury prior to the international break and only made his return earlier this month. Having looked scratchy in the first few matches, he was close to being back to his best after scoring goals against Barcelona and Elche.
However, the latest setback will come as a blow for Carlo Ancelotti & co. as they lose their star striker once again to an injury.
During Benzema’s absence last time out Rodrygo Goes occupied the centre-forward position and performed admirably. The Brazilian could once again be needed to step in to the role when Los Blancos host Sevilla tomorrow.
Benzema, who won the Ballon d’Or earlier this week, has already missed four of Real Madrid’s 15 matches in all competitions this season.
UPDATE: Contrary to reports, Benzema is not injured and has been included in the squad list to face Sevilla.
Manchester City have now joined the ever-growing list of admirers for Celta Vigo midfielder and Real Madrid target Gabri Veiga, reports Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail.
The 20-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the breakout stars of La Liga this season, having impressed with his goalscoring abilities from the centre of the park. Indeed, the youngster has notched up nine goals in La Liga and his exploits have made the giants of Europe sit up and take notice.
Real Madrid are said to be interested in Veiga’s services heading into the summer. The Merengues have Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Dani Ceballos on expiring contracts and it is unlikely that all three will be renewed, especially with Jude Bellingham being on the agenda.
In case of Modric and Kroos, even if they stay, it will likely be for only a season at the most. Hence, Los Blancos could require more than one central midfielder come summer, with Veiga emerging as an option.
The 20-year-old was also attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid. Now, Manchester City have also jumped on the bandwagon of clubs interested in Veiga’s services.
The Cityzens, who are battling Real Madrid for Bellingham as well, are set to lose Ilkay Gundogan in the summer when his contract expires. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva’s future is also far from certain, thus necessitating the signing of another midfielder.
Veiga has a release clause worth €40 million in his contract with Celta Vigo, which should not be a problem for either Real Madrid or Manchester City.
Celta Vigo president Carlos Mourino recently admitted that the midfielder could leave the club in the summer, saying:
“We don’t want to sell Gabri Veiga, but they are going to buy him from us. And we can’t do anything there. We know some of his offers and it is impossible to reach them.
“There are several teams behind Gabri. Real Madrid? They haven’t asked us, we don’t know if they will have called the player. Of the top 10 in the Premier League, four have asked about him.”
It will certainly be interesting to see whether Real Madrid are prepared to go all out for Veiga’s signing or decide to entirely focus on their pursuit of Bellingham.
