Karim Benzema
With the all-important FIFA World Cup just around the corner, both clubs and players are extra cautious of potential injuries. Though Real Madrid have not faced many injury woes in the first phase of the season, one player who has struggled with fitness is Karim Benzema.
According to reports from MARCA, the Frenchman did not train today owing to muscular fatigue. Given the player’s fitness troubles this year and the hectic schedule, it is clear why he chose to train indoors in the gym facilities.
Of the team’s 12 La Liga games so far this season, the striker has only appeared in seven. In that duration, he has scored five goals and provided one assist. However, he has failed to open his account in Europe so far, failing to find the back of the net in four appearances.
He came off the bench for the final 27 minutes in Real Madrid’s last game against Celtic but missed one big chance and had two shots on target denied. Despite his relatively poor form in front of the goal, he has been invaluable on other fronts.
As the reigning Ballon d’Or holder, Benzema will look to help France defend their World Cup title in Qatar later this month. As it stands, he is a doubt for Real Madrid’s game against Rayo Vallecano tomorrow but the plan is for him to train with the group tomorrow.
One hopes that the French striker will be back in time for the team’s match against Cadiz before they disperse for their respective national teams.
Apart from Benzema, Rudiger also did not train with the team today and he is termed as a ‘serious doubt’ for Monday’s clash against Rayo.
[Source: madriduniversal.com]