Benzema to miss Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey clash with Athletic Bilbao
Due to a hamstring injury, Karim Benzema has been left out of Real Madrid’s squad for the Copa del Rey quarter-final against Athletic Bilbao.
The France international’s fitness has been a source of concern since he hobbled off in the second half of Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw with Elche in LaLiga on January 23.
During his pre-match news conference, Carlo Ancelotti was hopeful the striker would be fit for the trip to San Mames.
This season, he has been in sensational form with 24 goals in 28 games in all competitions.
But Ancelotti insisted no risks would be taken. Benzema’s name was not in the 22-man squad for the match against Athletic Bilbao, released later on Wednesday.
This prompted concerns about his fitness for the UEFA Champions League last-16 meeting with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in less than two weeks.
Mariano Diaz and Ferland Mendy also miss out through injury, while Marcelo is ineligible due to suspension.
However, Marco Asensio could return from a hamstring injury sustained in the Supercopa de Espana success against FC Barcelona.
(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
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.”
Africa
UN calls for international participation in fighting sexual violence in Sudan
UN officials are calling for more international engagement to combat sexual violence against women and girls in the Sudan conflict.
World
Ukraine court orders arrest of agriculture minister over $7 million fraud
Mr Solsky had tendered his resignation earlier on Thursday but technically remains in his post until parliament considers his request.
Economy
IMF: Nigeria, 11 other countries seek affordable financing, structural reforms
The ACG comprises the IMF governors of a subset of 12 African countries belonging to the African Caucus (African finance ministers and central bank governors) and IMF management.
Africa
ECOWAS holds strategic peace talk with African Union
ECOWAS has held a strategic peace talk with the AU to integrate and implement the African Union Accountability and Compliance Framework into peacekeeping missions.
Economy
Experts decry challenges in ICT industry, suggest solutions
An expert says Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit and rising equipment costs are stalling the growth of the country’s information and communication technology industry.
Politics
Police promise adequate security for Saturday’s Gombe LG polls
The police command in Gombe has assured of adequate security, ahead of Saturday’s local government councils poll.