Real Madrid fans, breathe a sigh of relief. Karim Benzema will be fit to feature in El Clasico, on Saturday.
Los Blancos manager Rafael Benitez revealed this positive news in a pre-match conference, announcing that the French striker will take part in their weekend clash with La Liga leaders Barcelona.
The 28-year-old, who is currently embroiled in a sex tape blackmailing controversy with Les Bleus team-mate Mathieu Valbuena, has been out for a month with a hamstring injury, but took part in Thursday’s training session.
Karim Benzema in Thursday's Clasico training session
Training today ! @realmadrid #HalaMadridYNadasMas pic.twitter.com/QYkAKL4cqk
— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) November 19, 2015
Reports of a setback in his road to recovery sparked worry among Les Merengues faithful that Benzema would miss Saturday’s game, but Rafa put these fears to rest. However, the Spaniard did admit that he is not yet sure whether Karim will be a starter for the Santiago Bernabeu affair.
“Benzema is in the squad,” the former Napoli boss stated.
“He has trained well and we will decide tomorrow if he plays or not.”
This will come as a huge boost to the 10-time Champions League winner. With Welsh star Gareth Bale also set for a Saturday comeback, this means Real Madrid will be able to deploy their fearsome BBC trio in El Clasico.
Furthermore, Benzema boast respectable stats against the Blaugrana, scoring 7 and assisting 6 in 20 encounters with the Catalan giants.
Not to mention the fact that he has also scored the fastest goal in El Clasico history, netting past Victor Valdes in 22 seconds back in 2011.
Karim Benzema's Clasico stats
Benitez also confirmed the availability of captain Sergio Ramos, who he’ll look to slot back into the back four having recovered from the shoulder injury he picked up in the 3-2 defeat to Sevilla.
Benítez: "@SergioRamos has to be there and he is going to be there." #RMClasico #RMCity #HalaMadrid
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) November 20, 2015
Benitez: "Sergio Ramos will play the match. He is making an effort that we all appreciate. He is the captain"
— Real Madrid Info (@RMadridInfo) November 20, 2015
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