Real Madrid News
Karim Benzema set to miss the World Cup, confirms Fabrizio Romano
Karim Benzema picked up an injury in France training today and limped off. The tests report showed a tear in his thigh, and the player is set to miss the World Cup, Fabrizio Romano confirmed.
The French striker was set to play his second-ever World Cup after being dropped form the national team for several years. Coming off an incredible 2021/22 campaign, he was one of the marquee players for the tournament, and the striker for inarguably one of the best teams.
This adds to France’s growing injury list, which initially started with Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante. Since then Mike Maignan, Presnel Kimpembe, and Christopher Nkunku have been sidelined as well.
Ben Yedder, Moussa Diaby and Martin Terrier are in contention to replace Benzema for France.
After playing virtually every single game available for Real Madrid last season, Benzema has been struggling with injuries this campaign, playing only seven games out of a possible 14 in the league.
And while he has not been at his level best through this season, he has still managed scored seven goals and assisted one.
Real Madrid fans were dealt with a massive blow when star player Antonio Rudiger was left out of the squad against Real Valladolid, allegedly due to knee discomfort.
The injury sparked fears over his absence in the upcoming Copa Del Rey semifinal against Barcelona.
However, according to a report from Sergio Quirante, Rudiger’s knee injury is not thought to be serious. It appears the decision to leave him out of the squad against Valladolid may only be a precaution, with the defender set to undergo ultrasonic tests tomorrow.
Rudiger, whose injury scare came just 48 hours before Real Madrid’s big game against Barcelona, has been a stellar success in the club’s backline this season.
The German international has emerged as a real leader at the back, using his experience and authority to good effect. Although Real Madrid’s defence has left a lot to be desired this season, Rudiger has been one of the bright sparks.
His potential absence, therefore, could serve as a major blow for Los Blancos, in their hopes to reach the Copa Del Rey semifinal next week.
Real Madrid are heading into this semifinal with a 1-0 defeat in the first leg, meaning keeping a clean sheet could be mandatory if they are to overturn the deficit and book a place in the final. Rudiger, in that regard, could prove to be a vital asset.
In the meantime, Real Madrid are heading into the Valladolid game with David Alaba and Eder Militao as two of the only reliable centre-backs in the team. Among the two, Alaba has struggled with injuries this season, so it will be interesting to see how Carlo Ancelotti deals with this tricky situation this afternoon.
