UCL: Benzema could be back for Madrid derby, Ancelotti assures
Karim Benzema will miss Real Madrid’s next two games but could return for the derby with Atletico Madrid, according to club coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Benzema came off with a knee injury during Real Madrid’s 3-0 win at Celtic in the opening group game of the 2022/2023 UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
As a result, it had been feared he would miss a significant period as a result.
However, Ancelotti appeared to allay those fears at a press conference on Saturday ahead of Los Blancos’ game with Real Mallorca on Sunday.
He said the France international might be back in just over a week.
After Real Mallorca, Real Madrid host RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League before making the short trip to face rivals Atletico Madrid next Sunday.
“We will not force Benzema,” Real Madrid coach Ancelotti said. “He will certainly not play against RB Leipzig. But then we will see for the derby.
“If he can’t play then [against Atletico Madrid], he won’t go to France [for the international break].”
Benzema was replaced after 30 minutes at Parkhead by Eden Hazard, who went on to score the third goal in the victory.
The Belgian will likely fill the centre-forward spot against Real Mallorca.
Ancelotti does not want him to play like Benzema, though, saying: “Hazard did well coming on against Celtic. I’m going to put him in again on Sunday. Hopefully, he can repeat a great game.
“I don’t expect [Hazard] to play like Benzema, but I want him to play well and to connect with the other forwards.”
Ancelotti has made it clear that there is no replacement for Benzema, with alternative options providing different strengths in the final third.
Hebsingled out Vinicius Jr – who has scored in each of his last four Real Madrid appearances – for praise.
He said, “We don’t have Karim, and because he is the best striker in the world, there is no substitute for him on the market.
“But he can be replaced with other players with different characteristics.
“Vinicius is getting more consistent in finishing, in scoring goals. It is difficult for him to fail in front of the goal. There, he has improved a lot.
“I want to emphasise that he continues to maintain a good attitude, with a lot of humility, work. He wants to improve every day.”
(dpa/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Adamawa govt warns against defacing public infrastructure with campaign posters
The Adamawa government says the conviction and N3 million fine imposed on an ADC governorship aspirant signal stricter enforcement of laws against defacing public infrastructure.
Economy
Oil, gas operators push technology adoption, skills development to boost growth
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry have called for increased adoption of new technologies and sustained investment.
Abuja
Julius Berger to maintain remodelled Abuja City Gate for sustainability: Wike
FCT minister Nyesom Wike says the FCT Administration would sign a memorandum of understanding with Julius Berger for the maintenance of the remodelled Abuja City Gate.
Education
Education ministry, NIMC to provide digital identity to 80 million Nigerian learners
Mr Alausa said a credible national identity system was essential for effective governance, quality education and sustainable economic growth.
Abuja
NRC targets better rail services through reviewed SOP
NRC has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing efficiency and delivering improved services by institutionalising robust standard operating procedures.
Sport
Mbappe, Dembele score as France beat Morocco 2-0 to reach World Cup semi-finals
Speaking after the match, Mbappe said, “There’s still a long way to go. We know that what’s coming is tougher than what we went through. We are ready for what’s next.”
