Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti have been handed a major boost as it has emerged that star striker Karim Benzema’s injury is not as serious as first feared.
The French striker limped out of action midway through the first half of their opening Champions League clash with Celtic, which his side went on to win 3-0, having to be replaced by Eden Hazard at the tip of the Los Blancos attack.
And there were fears that the injury could be serious, with Benzema looking as though he had damaged his knee.
Hazard comes in for the injured Karim Benzema 🤕 pic.twitter.com/CAlvhbw489
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 6, 2022
After the game, however, Ancelotti suggested otherwise, revealing that “We don’t think Benzema has a big problems. It’s muscular.”
And now, the severity has been revealed, with Spanish outlet AS reporting that ‘Benzema’s injury is not serious and Real Madrid will be able to count on their captain in the September 18 derby against Atlético.’
“Karim will not be able to play this Sunday against Mallorca, [and] he is a serious doubt for the Champions League match next Wednesday against RB Leipzig”, they add. However, he will be fit to return for the Madrid derby, with the injury keeping him sidelined for between a week and ten days.
The news will come as a major boost to Los Blancos, who will have their top scorer back sooner than later. Having seen Luka Jovic depart for Fiorentina this summer, they have just Mariano as their only alternative for the Frenchman, though Eden Hazard and even Vinicius Junior could lead the line if absolutely necessary.
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