Real Madrid News
Relief for Real Madrid as Benzema’s injury not serious, striker out for 7-10 days
In Real Madrid’s away 3-0 victory against Celtic on Tuesday night, the visiting fans had their hearts in their mouths after Karim Benzema sustained a knee injury.
The 34-year-old limped off the pitch, with Eden Hazard being brought on to replace him in the 30th minute. As fans were worried about the extent of the injury suffered by the Frenchman, positive updates have emerged ever since.
As per the latest information provided by Melchor Ruiz, Benzema’s injury is believed not to be serious. The veteran striker underwent medical tests at the Valdebebas training ground earlier today and the results indicate that his condition is not as worse as feared initially.
Similarly, Edu Aguirre has also claimed that the Los Blancos skipper will not be out of action for long, with the results of the tests for his latest knock deemed as positive.
Building on the same, AS is reporting that Benzema has not sustained any major damage to his meniscus, but is suffering from bursitis in his right knee. He is expected to be out for seven to ten days at most.
It would mean that he will miss the matches against RCD Mallorca and RB Leipzig, while his involvement in the derby against Atletico Madrid will be doubtful as well.
Ultimately, it may be a blessing in disguise for the club’s second-highest goalscorer of all time to rest and recuperate.
Last season, Benzema started in 31 out of 38 La Liga games, while also playing from the off in every Champions League fixture for the Spanish giants.
Whilst the former Lyon striker also enjoyed his finest season to date and is the favourite to win his first Ballon d’Or later this year, it has seemingly come at the cost of his health.
To add to that, the fact that Benzema has played every possible minute in the ongoing campaign as well has not helped his case whatsoever.
It is worth saying that the fears amongst Real Madrid’s fanbase about not signing an understudy to their talismanic goalscorer seem to have been justified.
Considering the European champions are so dependent on the UEFA Nations League winner for goals and his overall game, situations such as an unexpected injury could be mitigated with the presence of an able understudy.
Ultimately, Madridistas can thank their lucky stars that Karim Benzema will be expected to return on the pitch soon.
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.
