Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is set to sit out Los Blancos’ Thursday night clash with relegation-threatened Cadiz, according to RMC Sport.
The reigning Spanish and European champions will welcome Sergio’s struggling side to the Santiago Bernabeu for their final game before the World Cup begins.
But they will have to do without their Ballon d’Or winner, who felt discomfort in his left thigh during training.
After conversations with Carlo Ancelotti, the pair decided it was better if Benzema did not play against Cadiz to avoid risking any potential injuries before the showpiece event.
Benzema had been carrying muscle fatigue in the quadriceps of his left leg since his initial injury against Celtic in the Champions League in September.
He returned for Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna early last month but has been struggling with injury and has not started a match since Madrid’s 3-0 win over Elche.
The 34-year-old had a 34-minute cameo in Madrid’s rampant 5-1 win over Celtic in the Champions League last time out but will not feature for Los Blancos before the World Cup.
Benzema has played just seven of Madrid’s 13 games this season, contributing five goals and one assist. He has netted six in 12 games across all competitions.
The former Lille man is an integral part of Didier Deschamps’ squad, and France cannot afford to enter the competition without their experienced striker, especially with their recent uninspiring form.
France have won just one of their last six games (D2, L3) in the run-up to the World Cup, and they need all the experience they can gather to navigate what is set to be a tricky event, especially with Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante already set to miss out.
Benzema should be fit enough to play a pivotal role for Les Bleus, and he will be hoping he is fully fit for their opening World Cup game against Australia.
