After announcing that he would not be able to play the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, French striker Karim Benzema left early Sunday morning the concentration of the French national soccer team to travel directly to Madrid, to continue with the recovery process of his muscle injury. The player took Qatar Airways flight QU149 at 8:08 a.m. from the emirate (1:08 ET) and was due to land in the Spanish capital at 1:33 p.m. local time (7:33 ET), according to the digital edition of the newspaper L'Équipe.
Real Madrid have been keeping a close eye on what's been going on with the Ballon D’Or winner. The day he returned to collective training, after suffering discomfort in his left leg, the player suffered a tear in the quadriceps of the same leg, which will prevent him from playing in his second World Cup, after playing in Brazil 2014.
"In my life I have never given up, but tonight I have to think about the team, as I have always done, so reason tells me to leave my place to someone who can help our group have a great World Cup," Benzema wrote on social media.
The MRI he underwent revealed a tear in his left quadriceps that requires a convalescence period of three weeks, according to a statement issued by the French Football Federation. France coach Didier Deschamps, who regretted the loss of the recent Ballon d'Or winner, had until Monday, the eve of his debut against Australia, to call up a new player to take the Madrid player's place, if he so wished, but decided to face the Qatari adventure with 25 players.
During the weeks leading up to the start of the World Cup training camp, Benzema had no injuries other than fatigue and muscle overload. He was always supervised by doctors, who gave him the green light. The left thigh injury came out of the blue, but the Frenchman has already startd his recovery. With the World Cup no longer a reality, Benzema is focused on once again becoming the player he was last season.
The directors have been by the Real Madrid captain's side at all times, so much so that they have reiterated they have no doubts over his immediate future. Los Blancos aren't considering signing a new striker in the January transfer window. It's a thought that's never crossed their mind as they believe they have more than enough cover with the current players.
In Benzema’s absence, Ancelotti has used Rodrygo Goes, who he considers more of a central forward, and Marco Asensio through the middle. It is clear that he does not trust Mariano, who is actually the most profilic centre forward left after Benzema. However, Mariano’s performances have almost never offered what Ancelotti and Real Madrid want. Practically, in the offensive line, Valverde, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior, and sometimes Asensio, have stepped up to cover the void left by Benzema, with Real Madrid already on 50 goals for this season.
There have been several rumors floating around in the media which have suggested that Real Madrid will have an eye on the World Cup with the intention of identifying another striker amid Benzema’s struggles. However, it seems like that might not be the case after all. Instead, Real Madrid are happy with the options that they have and will rely on them to go forward.
The injury, untimely as it is, comes at a crucial moment. It means Benzema will miss the World Cup, but he isn't being cast to the side by Real Madrid. The club are confident that he will once again be at the center of the attack this season, and that he will continue to do so next season as well.
Furthermore, Carlo Ancelotti said weeks ago that the club would not be making any additions. The same players who started the season will be tasked with finishing it, except for those looking to leave on their own accord. Nothing has changed. While Real Madrid will keep an eye on all things, there are no plans to actively pursue a fresh face. Los Blancos have absolute confidence in the Frenchman despite his recent injury woes.
Comments