Karim Benzema out of Real Madrid’s game

Karim Benzema limped out of training with a knee problem on Friday and Carlo Ancelotti said he will miss Real Madrid’s La Liga game at home to Málaga on Saturday, the Guardian reported Friday.

The head coach is likely to bring Isco into the starting lineup, with the Spain midfielder operating in a central playmaking role alongside James Rodríguez.

Benzema, who picked up the injury in the 0-0 Champions League quarter-final first-leg draw at Atlético Madrid, should be fit for the return game at the Bernabéu on Wednesday, Ancelotti said.

“Benzema is not available but we will have him back for the next game,” added the Italian.

The France international striker has scored 15 goals in La Liga and six in the Champions League this term and is important to the team for his link-up play with his fellow forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

Real are second and two points behind the leaders, Barcelona, who host fourth-placed Valencia earlier on Saturday.
Source: MENA