Real Madrid News
Real Madrid receive boost as Benzema resumes training ahead of Osasuna clash
Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema resumed normal training after being out for more than three weeks as he was spotted doing the regular drills with the handful of internationals who returned from their national team commitments early.
As reported by Spanish publication Diario AS, it was the first time Benzema ‘stepped on the grass and touched a ball’ as part of the regular training process.
Benzema, alongside Lucas Vazquez, were training inside the facility after picking up injuries before the international break. And for the first time in three weeks, the star forward joined forces with the group in an attempt to achieve the match fitness.
Furthermore, although Benzema is now training normally, manager Carlo Ancelotti is expected to have some reservations as the French forward might take his due time before starting a game for Real Madrid.
Hence, as the team from the capital city prepares for a home clash against Osasuna, word is that Benzema might come on from the bench instead of starting. This is mostly due to the fact that he has not played a competitive game in 25 days.
The idea is to get him back into a competitive rhythm so that he could be available to start the next game, which is a home tie against Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League.
Interestingly enough, before sustaining an injury against Celtic, Benzema was the only outfield player, and only one among two Madrid players alongside Thibaut Courtois, to play each and every minute of action.
Against Celtic, however, Ancelotti was forced to take him off as he complained of knee discomfort. In turn, he went to miss his team’s next three games, a 4-1 win over Mallorca, a 2-0 win over RB Leipzig and a 2-1 derby victory over Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
