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.
Real Madrid News
Opponent watch: Chelsea defender injured during international break, doubt for Real Madrid clash
In less than 20 days, Real Madrid will square off against Chelsea in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu. And ahead of the game, the Premier League club might have been dealt an injury setback.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea right-back Reece James has sustained an injury while away on national team duty with England and could now be a doubt for the match against Real Madrid.
James is a key member of the Chelsea squad but has had multiple injury problems in the recent past. Indeed, the 23-year-old has played just 12 Premier League matches this term, having had to deal with two knee injuries and a hamstring problem.
James played just five minutes for England during their 2-1 win over Italy earlier this week but has seemingly picked up some discomfort in his thigh during that game.
As a result, he was released from the national team camp earlier today and the young right-back is already on his way back to London.
The official report from the England national team indicated that the Chelsea ace had sustained a minor hamstring injury and was returning to his club as a precaution. However, Mundo Deportivo is stating that his availability for the game against Real Madrid is unclear at this point.
Los Blancos drew Chelsea for the quarter-finals and will host the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 12 before playing the second leg at Stamford Bridge a week later.
