Real Madrid could be boosted by the return of Karim Benzema after the France international resumed training on Wednesday, September 28.
The 34-year-old has been out of action since coming off in the UEFA Champions League opening game against Celtic in the first week of September. He only played just half an hour of that game before being replaced by Eden Hazard for the remaining 60 minutes as Madrid went on to win 3-0.
Benzema, who was Madrid’s top scorer last season started this season from where he left off during the 2021/22 campaign, scoring four goals and assisting another in his first four appearances of the new season.
Since his absence, Madrid have played three games, winning all three and scoring eight goals in the process against Mallorca, RB Leipzig and Atletico Madrid.
However, Real Madrid could even get better with the news that Benzema is back and fit again after recovering from the injury which kept him out of these games.
“I’m pleased to be back with the team. It’s been some time and I’ve had time to do a pre-season. I’m feeling very good, comfortable. I’m looking forward to the game on Sunday,” he told the club’s official media.
With October the most demanding month up next, Karim Benzema’s recovery has come at the right time not just for himself but also for the club.
“We have to continue. We know in our heads that we have to win every game. Every match is important. Everyone wants to beat Real Madrid, but we’re in good shape and ready to keep going.” he said when asked about the demands of October.
In his absence, Hazard and Rodrygo Goes have been the two players to have played as the striker with the Brazilian proving himself worthy of a Benzema backup than the Belgian.
His performance against Mallorca and Atletico was important in making a claim for him and could see him drift into the role should Carlo Ancelotti decide to give rest to Benzema.
But, at the moment, it is Benzema’s return that delights as Madrid prepare for Osasuna on Sunday.
