The technician of Real MadridCarlo Ancelotti, has ruled out French striker Karim Benzema for Saturday’s game against Espanyol in La Liga, but believes he will be available on Wednesday against Liverpool in the Champions League.
“Karim suffered a blow to his ankle, which is swollen. He tried to recover for this game, but he couldn’t,” Ancelotti told a news conference on Friday.
The striker, who did not participate in activities with the group during the week, “started training individually today and will be available for Wednesday”, in the second leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League, at the Santiago Bernabéu, added the merengue coach.
Benzema has accumulated a number of injuries this season that have prevented him from performing regularly, and Ancelotti wanted to dispel any doubts about the player’s physical condition, although he admitted that the team felt his absences.
“It is inevitable that this affects us because he is very important, especially after last season, when he scored 40 goals. The fact that he has not yet reached this level affects us a little”, said the coach.
Ancelotti anticipated that the Brazilian Rodrygo will take the place of Benzema on Saturday against Espanyol.
Real Madrid faces a crucial week that starts with Espanyol, passes by Liverpool in the Champions League and ends with the derby against Barcelona in La Liga, which could define the title.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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