Real Madrid have announced in an official statement on their website that striker Karim Benzema has suffered a hamstring injury. The striker is out of action for an undisclosed period of time. While the club did not comment on his availability for the UEFA Champions League semi-final, he is likely to miss the tie against Manchester City.
The press release by the club said, “Following tests carried out today on the player Karim Benzema at the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his left hamstring. His recovery will continue to be assessed.”
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Benzema’s injury will come as a major blow to the Los Blancos as he has been a crucial part of their attack this season. The 28-year-old has made an important contribution this season scoring twenty-seven goals and providing six assists in thirty-three appearances for the club in all competitions. His movement off the ball and goals will be a major loss to the Los Blancos.
The French international hobbled off the pitch in the second half of the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Manchester City raising fears of a long-term absence which could result in him missing the home leg of the semi-final tie. He had only recently returned after suffering a knee injury.
Benzema’s injury comes at an inopportune time for Real Madrid as Cristiano Ronaldo too is out with a thigh strain. Manager Zinedine Zidane will have to make tactical adjustments to make up for the absence of the two attacking stalwarts if they fail to recover in time for the home game against Manchester City. One of Isco, James Rodriguez, Lucas Vasquez or Jese Rodriguez are expected to start instead.
Speaking to reporters after the away leg in Manchester, Zidane had said, “We hope that they can both be fit for the second leg, that's the idea, but we can't say right now. We have to see. We have to take it day by day and see how they are”, raising doubts about the pair’s availability.
In what was a disappointing result for the Los Blancos, Real Madrid played out a 0-0 draw in the away leg of the semi-final tie against Manchester City. The home leg is scheduled to be played on Wednesday, 5th May.
