Real Madrid News
Karim Benzema ruled out of the derby vs Atletico Madrid – report
In what will come as a blow for Real Madrid, superstar striker Karim Benzema has been definitively ruled out of the derby against Atletico Madrid, reports Rodrigo Faez.
Benzema had picked up an injury last week during Los Blancos’ UEFA Champions League clash against Celtic. Since then, the 34-year-old has not featured for the Spanish and European champions against RCD Mallorca and RB Leipzig.
There had always been question marks over Benzema’s availability for the derby on Sunday at the Civitas Metropolitano. However, the Frenchman was said to be pushing hard to make himself available for such an important fixture.
But, as per the latest update from Rodrigo Faez, it has been confirmed that Benzema will play no part for Real Madrid against their neighbours on Sunday night.
The report states that the Frenchman and the club decided together that it was important not to rush his comeback and focus on complete recovery.
So, Real Madrid and Benzema have now decided to continue with the current programme and let the striker rest and recover before he can make a return to on-field action after the international break.
Indeed, Benzema was not spotted in training with the rest of the team today, with Sergio Quirante reporting that the striker was doing his recovery work by himself in the gym. Lucas Vazquez was seen doing some light work out on the grass, but will not be available either.
Both the Real Madrid stars will now return to action when they lock horns with CA Osasuna after the two-week international break.
Arda Guler’s Real Madrid stint has not gotten off to the start he would have hoped to have given the expectation that preceded the transfer.
Having joined in the summer after Real Madrid outbid their competition to win him over from Fenerbahce for a 20-million-euro fee, buzz was high as the winger was expected to slot into the team quite seamlessly, albeit on a rotational basis.
Unfortunately for the 18-year-old, he has been constantly marred by injuries since completing the move.
Reports have stated that after Guler picked up his third injury since his move, Real Madrid have been concerned and want to take things slow with the player to ensure he is fit as soon as possible after an injury to his quadriceps this time.
The Turk is yet to make his competitive debut for the club, and Real Madrid even sacked their medical chief in November, in light of their injury crises since the beginning of the season.
No loan deal for Guler
However, according to Fabrizio Romano in a recent YouTube video, he states that Madrid maintain full trust and patience in the youngster.
Despite his bad luck with injuries, the latest of which he is scheduled to return from after Christmas, the Galacticos have no intention of loaning out Guler to Turkish clubs despite lots of speculation of them doing so of late.
Romano states that Madrid remain firm on not shaking things up too much with the squad, and they want to keep their roster stable, including Arda Guler.
They want to extend their full support and protection to the player as he aims to return to full fitness and finally make his bow for Madrid either by the end of this month or in 2024.
