Karim Benzema plays down injury fears ahead of El Clasico

Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema has insisted that he might be match for Sunday’s La Liga conflict with Barcelona.

The 35-year-old scored the one purpose of the match in Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 second leg with Liverpool, as Los Blancos received 6-2 on mixture to advance to the quarter-finals.

Benzema took a heavy knock simply earlier than discovering the again of the web within the 78th minute, which needed to him being withdrawn within the 82nd minute of the match.

The Frenchman has struggled with a quantity of health issues this season and was lacking final outing within the league towards Espanyol because of a slight ankle situation.

Nevertheless, talking after the European contest with Liverpool, Benzema performed down fears that he might now be unavailable for choice towards league leaders Barcelona.

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“It was only a actual blow to my shin however that is all it was, a knock, I will be match for Sunday,” Benzema advised reporters when requested in regards to the seriousness to the difficulty.

“It was a troublesome sport towards good opposition however we confirmed we needed to get on the entrance foot from the off. It was a terrific sport for the followers and we’re into the quarters.

“Soccer right this moment is all about digging in. Everybody desires extra however generally it’s important to endure in a sport. The essential factor is to win it and get via.”

Benzema has now discovered the again of the web on 19 events in 28 appearances for Los Blancos throughout the 2022-23 marketing campaign, along with registering 5 assists.

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Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti additionally stated that the ahead would “get well with none issues for Sunday” when questioned after the conflict with Liverpool.

“It is a knock. He was feeling a bit sore and it hurts a little bit, however I feel he’ll get well with none issues for Sunday,” stated the Italian on Wednesday evening earlier than discussing his workforce’s efficiency.

“It was a great sport, we delivered an entire efficiency. We might have simply slipped up however we have been disciplined early on, with our concepts clear in our minds, and we completed strongly as effectively.”

Real Madrid are at present 9 factors behind Barcelona within the La Liga desk, so a defeat in El Clasico might probably finish their hopes of retaining the title this season.

David Alaba is the capital outfit’s solely confirmed absentee for Sunday’s sport at Camp Nou, with Ferland Mendy again on the bench towards Liverpool on Wednesday after recovering from a hamstring situation.