Karim Benzema’s Fitness in Doubt Ahead of Champions League Quarter-Final
Real Madrid face an anxious wait regarding the fitness of Karim Benzema ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atlético Madrid. The Franco-Algerian striker, who was notably absent from Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Malaga, has yet to return to training, raising questions over his availability for the high-stakes fixture.
According to Spanish daily Marca, Benzema missed Sunday’s training session as he continues to battle pain in his right knee. Despite the ongoing discomfort, a final decision on his participation in Tuesday’s match will be made in the coming hours, depending on how the 32-year-old progresses in his recovery.
The absence of Benzema, a key figure in Madrid’s attacking lineup, would be a significant blow as the team prepares for the decisive leg of the quarter-final tie. Madrid are already facing injury concerns, with Luka Modric sidelined after picking up an injury in the Malaga match. Additionally, Welsh winger Gareth Bale is expected to be unavailable, further depleting Zinedine Zidane’s options for the encounter.
Real Madrid will now look to their remaining attacking talents, including Eden Hazard and Vinícius Júnior, to step up in what promises to be a fiercely contested match against Atlético Madrid. The clash is expected to be a defining moment in both teams’ European aspirations, and Madrid will be hoping for a swift recovery from Benzema as they seek to advance to the semi-finals.
With the tie delicately poised, Zidane’s men are in desperate need of their star striker, whose experience and goal-scoring ability could prove pivotal in securing a place in the final four of Europe’s premier competition.
